When they come back to the game as many do, because as we all know it’s in the blood, they find that there isn’t a great deal to play for.
There are a few events for the seniors, EASB Masters Championship for example, but generally speaking, not a lot. Many are confined to being top players in their local leagues.
And what about the pro who finds that, mainly due to the problems associated with getting older, they find themselves dropping off the tour? At or around the 40 year old mark, it leaves them in sense, good, but not quite good enough.
Many still want to compete. They need to compete.
Jason to the rescueA couple of years ago, Jason Francis and Snooker Legends introduced the World Seniors Championship. A competition for amateurs over 40 with a prize including competing against some of the legends of snooker for a place in the qualifying rounds of the World Championships! That competition was won by Peter Lines, who at the time was on a “gap year” from the main tour.The Seniors Tour was then expanded for 2017/18 to 4 competitions. The World Seniors, UK Seniors, Irish Masters and Seniors Masters. At the time of writing, the UK Seniors has been concluded and the winner none other than one of the nation’s favourites, Jimmy White.
In January 2018, the Seniors Irish Masters will include what is being billed as “the last ever competitive match” between Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor.
Enter the WPBSASuch is the popularity of these events that the WPBSA picked up on it and now, in partnership with Jason, have announced the WPBSA World Seniors Tour.
There is no doubt that Jason, who took his own advice to #daretodream, has given amaueur snooker a much needed shot in the arm as there are now serious competitions for amateurs, could have been pros and ex pros to aim at.
Carl Smythe said on Twitter
“Jason, have to say, you are brill! This stuff gives me (a 37 yr old, who never made it as a pro) motivation to pick up a cue again and practice properly for form in a few years time!!!
And as Jason replied, these are the players who “are exactly what the tour is for”
No more excuses – #daretodream
