Subbuteo Preparing For The World Cup In A Garden Shed

## Subbuteo: Preparing for the World Cup in a garden shed By Jamie Graham, BBC Scotland Sports Correspondent **A quarter of a century on from his last World Cup appearance, top Scottish Subbuteo player Mark Robertson is back - and this time he's looking for gold.** When Robertson last represented his country at a Subbuteo World Cup, in 1996, he was ranked in the world's top 10. The former Scotland captain won the first of his record eight national titles in 1988, at the age of 17. The 2018 championship was his 26th in total, 20 years after his last. Three months before the latest championships, Robertson is preparing in his garden shed, in the village of Cowie, near Stirling. He is wary of opponents from across the world, including England, who have enjoyed great success in recent years. The Scots have never won the team World Cup, but have finished third on three occasions - their last podium appearance came in 2002. "I'm a bit more cautious this time, but believe we have a squad capable of winning a medal," said Robertson. "The players are all playing well and we just need to get the team cohesion right. "I have made a few changes to the squad, bringing in a couple of younger players. I think they will add something different to the team." Robertson, who started playing Subbuteo at the age of five, is a veteran of eight World Cups, with his best result a semi-final place in 2002. He is confident that Scotland can once again be a force on the international stage. "As hosts, I am sure Scotland will have a few surprises up their sleeves," said Robertson. "I think we can win a medal, but know it will be tough. But if we can get the team spirit right, we have a squad capable of doing something special." Subbuteo, a popular 1970s and 1980s tabletop game, is enjoying a resurgence. The 2018 World Cup, which takes place in Glasgow, is expected to attract competitors from over 20 countries. **Robertson is just one of a growing number of people rediscovering their love of the game.** He says the key to his success is practice. "I try to play two or three times a week," he said. "I also watch a lot of videos of top players. It's important to learn from the best." Robertson is not the only member of his family to have success at Subbuteo. His brother, Iain, is a multiple Scottish champion, while his son, Lewis, is a rising star in the sport. "I'm really proud of my family's achievements," said Robertson. "It's great to see so many people enjoying the game. I hope we can continue to inspire more people to take up Subbuteo." *The 2018 Subbuteo World Cup takes place in Glasgow from 27-30 July.*