Ray swings and wins as album races ahead in X-Factor chart battle

Ray Quinn is beating Ben Mills in the X Factor chart battle, figures showed today.

Both released their debut albums today and Ray is outselling his rival by over two-to-one at Woolworths.

His self-titled album of swing tunes is proving a hit in the run-up to Mother's Day.

"Ray has raced ahead and looks a cert to be number one on Sunday," said Woolworths music buyer Keith Black.

"Judging by our sales figures this morning, he can expect to sell over 150,000 albums this week - a big success for the young star."

But Ben should also secure a respectable chart placing with his offering, Pictures Of You.

"Ben's albums is also selling really well, just not as fast as Ray's. His individual style has captured the public's imagination and he can expect a really high chart debut on Sunday.

"The rate of sales for both albums further prove the power of the X Factor to sell a significant number of records," said Black.

HMV also predicted a chart victory for Liverpudlian Ray.

Spokesman Gennaro Castaldo said: "This is shaping up to be a close chart battle between the cute lad that women would like to mother and the sensitive hunk they would like to seduce.

"Ray has to start as favourite given that he went further on X Factor, and we're certainly finding that our stores and hmv.co.uk website are picking up a lot of interest for him."