By CHAN U-GENE

SINGAPOREAN Peter Gilchrist has reclaimed the top spot in the world billiards ranking after 12 long years.

His second stint at No. 1 since 2001, when he won the world championships, came after back-to-back victories at the Irish Open in February and the Scottish Open last month.

Said the England-born player who took up Singapore citizenship in 2006: “It’s been a while but I’ve always believed in my own ability. I’m playing well, it feels good, and I like being on top of the world again.”

Gilchrist, 45, credited his winning ways to his recent six-month break to return to Middlesbrough, where he was born.

There, he met close friend and former coach Jon Birch and they started training again.

Said the Singaporean who now coaches the national team: “It was more relaxing for me because I was off my coaching duties and I sort of rediscovered the enjoyment in the sport.”

Now back in Singapore, the winner of two previous men’s singles gold medals at the SEA Games hopes for a hat-trick at December’s Myanmar Games.

Though Gilchrist is contracted to coach this year, he hopes that his recent victories can help him clinch a place as a player in the national squad too.

Said the two-time world champion who also claimed the 1994 title: “I’m still improving and there’s still a lot for me to learn.”

Meanwhile, Peter Liew, president of the sport’s national body, Cuesports Singapore, is in discussions with the Singapore Sports Council to bring Gilchrist back as a player.

He said: “Gilchrist is playing well and he is definitely the man to beat at our regional Games.” ugenec@sph.com.sg

Peter Gilchrist’s rise to the top is due to victories at the Irish Open and the Scottish Open.