As the new professional season kicks off, the amateurs are preparing to join in the fun.
Monday July 2 sees the start of the professional season with the Riga Masters Qualifiers at Preston Guild Hall. Qualifiers in that the winners of this single round get to play the next round in Latvia. Last year’s losers in Latvia earned themselves £1000 so there’s definitely good reason to give it all in Preston. But several top pros don’t agree so haven’t entered this one. Some have even forgotten to enter!This does however open up the opportunity for 12 amateurs to make up the numbers. The invites go out using the Order of Merit from Q School and looking at the list of amateur entries, 4 Chinese lads haven’t entered along with just the one from England, Andy Hicks. The lowest ranking player to take up the invite is Simon Bedford at 17. It just goes to show how important it was to keep up the effort in Burton!
The line up of amateurs, in no particular order, is: David Lilley, Kuldesh Johal, Dechawat Poomjaeng, Mitchell Mann, James Cahill , Adam Duffy, Shane Castle, Jamie Cope, Farakh Ajaib, Michael Judge, Luke Simmonds and Simon Bedford.
At SnookerHub I will be keeping an eye on the progress of the amateurs, not just on the scores but some are scheduled to appear on the Eurosport player as well.
The circus stays in Preston following this event for the World Open Qualifiers and then Challenge Tour 2. Yours truly will be at Preston watching the first day of Challenge Tour 2.
These lads will be keen to show that they can mix it with the big boys on the main tour.
Best of luck to them all.
