Clough's chances of progressing with England in the men's team event look far stronger than Horsburgh's hopes with Scotland.

Clough, an individual semi-finalist 12 months ago, has captured nine of his 12 frames in the champions' unbeaten start to the tournament.

Against 2007 runners-up Wales and Scotland, he enjoyed unblemished three-match records.

It was a different story against South Africa as Adrian Vermeulen and Dustin Alves restricted the Fylde taxi driver to a solitary victory.

England and the Republic of Ireland top the group, though the Irish
head the potting pile having won more frames.

Scotland prop up the table in the women's team event despite some excellent play by Horsburgh.

Only Welsh star Collette Henriksen has a better average than individual third seed Horsburgh, who has dropped just four of her opening 15 frames.

The BBC website journalist won four of her five matches against England, losing only to long standing rival Barbara Taylor.

But the Scots have yet to register a team success as Wales (four out of four) and England (three from three) remain the only unbeaten nations.

The first round of the men's individual event begins on Friday and defending champion Gareth Potts has already thrown down the gauntlet to his rivals in the team competition.

The England international has cued beautifully for his country, taking 14 of his opening 15 frames.

His only blemish came against Andy MacDonald in a 12-9, first match victory over 2007 runners-up Wales.

And it suggests he can become the first man to retain his trophy and also the first to lift it three times.

The English 'Dream Team' are chasing their 12th title in the 17 year history of the event.

There is free admission to the non-televised stages of the Foster's World Championship.