BOLTON ace Craig Steadman has landed a crack at one of the sport's legends, Ronnie O'Sullivan, when he competes in a series of exhibitions next month.

The 24-year-old is one of the best amateurs in the country, and harbours ambitions of breaking on to the main tour this year after near misses in the last couple of years.

And, Steadman will find out the level his game needs to reach when he plays the man known as Rocket' to snooker fans at Oldham Sports Centre on November, 27. Steadman will also face Chinese sensation Ding Jun Hui on November, 19 at the Printworks, Manchester.

"It will be great to test myself against players like Ronnie and Ding," admitted Steadman. "I can gain some good experience by playing with them, and having a chat with them after the exhibition."

It has been another successful season so far for Steadman, who currently stands in one of the positions on the amateur tour that will see him qualify for a crack at the big time next year.

Until then, however, Steadman does have a little issue to sort out with his cue.

"I have had the same cue for the last ten years, and it broke on me last week," said Steadman. "It happened two years ago, but I got it fixed. However, I need a new one now.

"I have got a new one, and I have to get used to it now. My game hasn't changed much in the last year or so, but I will need to put in plenty of practice just to get used to a new cue."

Tickets to watch Steadman against O'Sullivan will cost £20, and they are £15 for the game with Jun Hui. VIP packages to meet the players are also available. For more information, visit www.planetsnooker.com