Chase your dream at Q School

AMATEUR players from around the globe will be chasing eight two-year Main Tour cards at World Snooker’s Q School, which is now open to entry.

The event at the Meadowside Leisure Centre, Burton, starts on May 11 and costs £600.

Those reaching the semi-finals of either of the two tournaments will join the professional circuit and have the opportunity to travel the world to play in the biggest tournaments with millions of pounds in prize money up for grabs.

To enter, go to www.wsplayers.com and follow the instructions. The closing date is Wednesday, April 6.

World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn, who has injected new life into our game since taking the reins in 2009, revealed that there will be even more ranking tournaments next season.

He said: “There has never been a better time to be a snooker player. Next season we are adding several brand new ranking events to the calendar, so the schedule will be busier than ever and the level of prize money higher than ever.

“There will be no resting on our laurels and the tour will continue to grow. So the players who take the opportunities open to them will truly be living the dream.”

As in previous years, a ranking list will be compiled during Q School with players earning one point for every frame won. During the Main Tour season, should any of the tournament draws fall below a total entry of 128 then the field will be topped up with the highest ranked players from the Q-School list who have not gained one of the eight tour cards.

All players must be members of and in good standing with their National Governing Body (eg, the English Association of Snooker & Billiards).

Report by Tim Dunkley.