PEMBROKESHIRE bodybuilder Shamsul Ali has retained his Welsh Open crown and now has his sights set on a bigger prize this weekend.

The former Tenby man, who is now based in Weynouth and trains at the town's  Future Physiques gym under the tutelage of Neil Hill, beat Arnold Classic competitor Richie O’Donnell on his way to victory and was delighted with his overall result.

And Shamsul had to overcome a change in competition format to be crowned national champions for the second successive year: “They merged the up to 174cm and 178cm categories, which meant I was up against 19 guys, including O’Donnell.

“So, I was really pleased to retain my title. I’ve been doing things very differently with my coach Neil and I am learning so much all the time.”

The victory means Ali is through to the British finals in Nottingham this Saturday, October 8.

The bodybuilder added: “It was my main goal to qualify for the main finals.

“If I finish in the top six, I will end the year over the moon.”

After the national event is finished, Ali has indicated he intends to bulk up in order to further his professional career. 

He also said he wanted to thanks sponsors Future Physiques, Nutri-Go, Udo’s Choice and USN.

For more information on Shamsul's career, follow him on instagram @shamsulali86.