To be held in Jersey from 2-8 November 2020, the event will be open to a maximum of 96 players, including both amateurs aged over 40 and for the first-time current World Snooker Tour professionals ranked 65-128 at the start of the 2020/2021 season.

Places in the following competitions will be contested over the course of the event:

• 2021 UK Seniors Championship (4 places)
• 2021 World Seniors Championship – (2 places)
• 2021 Masters – (1 Place in the 2021 Masters)
• 2021 Super Seniors over 55s – (1 place in the 2021 Masters)

Each of the eight qualifying players will be guaranteed to win a minimum of £1,000 at the final stages of the event.

All players will undergo a COVID-19 test upon arrival (at no cost to them) and will be responsible for booking and paying for their own travel and accommodation.

Jason Francis, Chairman of World Seniors Snooker said: “We are delighted to be able to launch our new World Seniors Qualification School which I am sure will prove to be a fantastic week of snooker with big prizes on offer.

“Only this week we have seen the likes of Gary Filtness and Wayne Cooper overwhelmed by the chance to play at the iconic Crucible Theatre for the first time and through Qualification School even more opportunities will be created for players of all levels of experience to achieve their dreams.

“We also hope that by holding these qualification tournaments together, rather than over the course of several individual qualifying events, this will help to reduce travel and accommodation costs for our loyal players over the course of the season.”

Further information will be released by World Seniors Snooker in due course.

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Won a year ago by the ever-popular ‘People’s Champion’ Jimmy White, the tournament will see a distinguished line-up of 16 players including ‘King of the Crucible’ Stephen Hendry and 1997 champion of the world Ken Doherty, will battle it out to lift the trophy at the home of snooker.

For the first time the tournament will be broadcast live on BBC digital platforms with selected matches available on the ‘Red Button.’ Coverage in China will be shown on major digital TV platforms and across the USA via the Matchroom.Live.

ROKiT Phones – pioneers of the glasses-free 3D phone with onboard Value Added Services – will once again be the title sponsor to the event, continuing a partnership which saw the telecommunications company become the naming rights partner of the WSS Tour in 2019.

The event will be held behind closed doors with no tickets available for spectators due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

All-Star Line-up

An international field of 16 players will be led by defending champion Jimmy White, who will be joined by seven-time world professional champion Stephen Hendry, the ‘Darlin of Dublin’ Ken Doherty and our reigning UK Seniors champion Michael Judge as the four seeded players kept apart until the semi-finals

The remaining 12 players will be randomly placed in the draw, including former world champions Dennis Taylor and Joe Johnson, as well as former top 10 duo Tony Knowles and Tony Drago. Also set to compete at the Crucible are former World Seniors Snooker champions Peter Lines, Nigel Bond, Aaron Canavan and Darren Morgan.

The draw will be completed by WSS Tour players Leo Fernandez, Patrick Wallace, Rodney Goggins and Gary Filtness.

The inclusion of current professional players has been made possible following a landmark new agreement between WSS and World Snooker Tour which will now allow lower ranked tour players over 40 to compete at WSS events. Players not automatically invited to tournaments will be eligible to enter future qualifying events.

Jason Francis, WSS Chairman said: “The ROKiT Phones World Seniors Snooker Tour has gone from strength to strength and despite these difficult times globally we are delighted to be able to deliver a truly world class event live on the BBC and around the world. I would like to thank our title sponsor ROKiT Phones for their continued support and look forward to seeing some fantastic snooker played later this month.”

Jason Ferguson, WPBSA Chairman said: “It is always such a treat to see snooker’s grand masters reappear at the Crucible Theatre. Few could forget the great sporting moments and entertainment these former champions have given us.

“The WPBSA strategy is to grow a sport for all, from aspiring juniors, elite amateurs, professional tour players through to the incredible entertainment of the ROKiT World Seniors Tour. Snooker is a sport for life, and I would like to thank ROKiT Phones, our broadcasters, and partners for the opportunity to add this great event and tour to our group.”

Michael Coombes, ROKiT Phones CEO UK said: “We are delighted to continue our sponsorship to play a part in the Championship, and what will be without doubt, tension filled matches between prestigious players. To celebrate, all our viewers will also be able to benefit from an exclusive offer that will be shared on our website Partners page.”

Jonathan Kendrick, ROKiT Chairman said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with World Seniors Snooker, its great fans will be able to enjoy the action live on their ROKiT Phones for the very first time.”

The 2020 ROKIT Phones World Seniors Snooker Championship takes place from 19-22 August at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England.

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The activities, which have included the ‘Blue Ball Challenge’ and most recently the ‘First Poke’ challenge, have been aimed at snooker players who have had access to a private table during the recent lockdown period.

These have included players not only from the World Seniors Snooker Tour, but also from across the WPBSA Group including World Snooker Tour, World Women’s Snooker, World Disability Billiards and Snooker and players who competed at the World Snooker Federation Open back in January.

Most notably, 18-year-old Austrian junior Florian Nuessle currently stands top of the First Poke leaderboard with a fantastic 137, while former WDBS champion Andy Johnson achieved a perfect ten score on the Blue Ball Challenge.

Having drawn widespread interest, the initial snooker-themed target of £1,470 was quickly exceeded, leading to a revised goal of £14,700 that was achieved last weekend following a donation of £500 by former world champion Shaun Murphy following his own challenge attempt.

The initiatives have been well-supported both within the snooker community and beyond, with several notable players having come together in April to record a charity single, a cover of “Every Breath You Take” by The Police, which received a message of support from original singer/songwriter Sting.

SOS – Silence of Suicide

With the revised target now met, World Seniors Snooker has announced that its challenges will continue with the new goal of raising £14,700 for the SOS Silence of Suicide charity set up by World Women’s Snooker player Yvette Greenway-Mansfield and her husband Michael Mansfield QC.

Founded in 2016, the organisation has worked closely with the WPBSA since 2017 as part of our mental health support system for professional snooker players and the donations received will play a key part in helping to fund a helpline for the charity

New challenges are posted regularly on the official World Seniors Snooker Facebook page.

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The initiative was the brainchild of World Seniors Snooker Chairman Jason Francis who challenged any players with snooker tables at home to try and pot ten difficult blue balls with people predicting how many they would get and donating to the NHS.

“It started as a bit of fun but its gone viral now with players having a go and raising money for our national health service in the UK,” said Francis. “This week alone we have had Stuart Bingham, Joe Perry and Kyren Wilson take part and our regular Facebook live videos have proved very popular with the snooker community.”

The initial goal was to raise £1,470 for a local NHS trust as a reference to snooker’s maximum 147 break – a target which was soon met within four days. Further targets have since been met for bodies including the London North West NHS Trust and Barts NHS Trust, with a Sheffield-based Trust set to be the next beneficiary in recognition of the city’s status as the home of snooker having hosted the professional World Snooker Championship since 1977.

Overseas players in Ireland have also taken up the challenge with €1,000 having been raised for its Health Service Executive.

“For as long as we remain in isolation, and players want to continue supporting this, we will continue,” added Francis. “It would be incredible if we could top £10,000 by the time we finish.”

For more information and to view the attempts so far visit the ROKit Phones World Seniors Snooker Facebook page.

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Current Chairman Jason Francis and director Jason Ferguson will be joined by John Parrott, David Murray and Rohit Sagoo, who will all support the next development phase of the ROKiT Phones World Seniors Snooker Tour.

Former world champion John Parrott has been a regular competitor on the circuit since its inception and joins as a non-executive player director to provide assistance and advice on playing matters. David Murray, a former BBC Sport Executive and now television and media consultant joins to assist in maximising the opportunities for people to enjoy watching snooker’s former greats who remain entertaining and highly competitive to this day.

Rohit Sagoo, a strategic appointment who is also a Lecturer at City, University of London who with the cooperation of the WPBSA has previously published a number of research studies including most recently a study which sought to evaluate the benefits of playing snooker to an older person’s well-being. Sagoo, a London based British Asian is keen to find more ways to use snooker to improve mental health and wellbeing. Sagoo has a vision to bring together people living in isolation in the areas where World Seniors Snooker events are staged, delivering a positive impact on local communities.

Jason Francis, ROKiT Phones World Seniors Snooker Chairman said: “Having spearheaded this project together with Jason Ferguson for the past two years it has become clear that we needed to add further specialist expertise to our board to help us to take the Tour to the next level and beyond.

“I am as excited today for the future of the Tour as I was at the very start. I am particularly excited about these three new strategic appointments, which will provide us with a safe platform to steer the ROKiT World Seniors Snooker Tour. Providing opportunities for players who are approaching retirement from the main tour, as well as continuing to provide an opportunity for any player of any gender over 40 to engage in sport is our priority. Our message is clear, no matter of age or gender, the opportunity is here to pick up a cue and stand on top of the world.”

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Wyldecrest Parks, headed up by its CEO Alfie Best, has a history of supporting snooker and in 2010 was the title sponsor for the World Seniors Championship, won by Jimmy White.

As Europe’s largest residential park and holiday home operator, Wyldecrest Parks offers over 60 coastal and inland residential park locations specially designed for retired people looking to downsize; as well as seven holiday parks that cater for the whole family, where you can book your holiday break or own your very own holiday home.

And the great news is with the World Seniors Tour being broadcast you can enjoy every ball of the tournament from the comfort of your Park Home.

Jason Francis, Chairman of World Seniors Snooker said: “I’ve been trying to get Wyldecrest Parks on board for some time now; they supported the concept of a World Seniors Championship at the very start, so it feels great to carry such a prestigious name in the Park Home industry with us as we travel the globe.”

If you’re interested in cherishing the golden years of your retirement by downsizing to a Park Home, releasing equity and enjoying your nest egg contact their friendly team on: 0330 133 7300 or sms HOME to 82228

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World Seniors Snooker (WSS) is today proud to announce that Dennis Taylor, Cliff Thorburn and John Virgo will all represent the World Seniors Snooker Tour as global ambassadors and help to develop opportunities worldwide.

Jason Francis, WSS chairman said: “John, Dennis and Cliff are icons of the sport, known worldwide and respected by everyone. All three have been with us since the start and it’s important we recognise not only the part they have played in the formation of the World Seniors Snooker Tour, but we ensure they remain a key part of it as we continue to grow over the coming years.”

Jason Ferguson, WPBSA chairman said: “Through WSS we are delighted to be able to officially recognise some of our sporting greats. The WPBSA is honoured that that these stars are able to give something back to our sport in this way.”

Learn more about the World Seniors Snooker Tour here.

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The seven-time world champion and 36-time ranking event winner has confirmed that he will play in no fewer than four tournaments, starting with the upcoming UK Seniors Championship at Hull’s Bonus Arena this October and most notably the 2019 Seniors Masters at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield next April.

Listen to the Scot talk about his return to the baize in the video below:

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The EASB has been granted places in all English based World Seniors Snooker Tour qualifiers with a remit to reward not only their champions but deserving players who have served the national governing body.

World Seniors Snooker (WSS) has also committed to booking all referees through the EASB and providing those selected for the UK Seniors Championship in Hull this October the opportunity to work alongside senior referee Michaela Tabb. It has also been stipulated that all English nationals who enter any World Seniors Tour qualifier must be a member of the EASB.

WSS will benefit from the promotion of its events by the EASB to all their members and a scheduling commitment not to clash any events this season.

Jeff Robinson, EASB Chairman said: “The EASB is proud to partner with Jason Francis and the World Seniors Snooker Tour. Along with the English Partnership for Snooker & Billiards and the World Snooker Federation, this is another example of the growing relationship between the amateur and professional sport. As this relationship grows the opportunities to be involved at the highest level are also growing. It is an exciting time for English amateur snooker players and officials.”

Jason Francis, WSS Chairman said: “I am delighted that we will be able to work closely with the EASB in this way. The support of the national federations from all regions is significant to the ongoing development of the World Seniors Tour.”

The World Seniors Snooker Tour qualifiers to be staged in England this season are:

7-9 Sep – Barratts, Northampton
28-30 Sep – Pot Black, Clacton
5-7 Oct – Scotties, Liverpool
2-4 Nov – Newbury, Berkshire
14-16 Dec – Coulsdon, Surrey
8-10 Feb – Newbury, Berkshire – 6-Red
8-10 Mar – Northern Snooker Centre, Leeds

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The former world number 18 and two-time World Championship quarter-finalist will be returning to the country where he reached his only professional ranking final at the 1989 Hong Kong Open, narrowly losing out 9-8 to Mike Hallett.

Dene O’Kane said: “I am delighted to be a part of the new World Seniors Snooker Tour. I must say it is long overdue and will be the perfect platform for many ex-professional players to compete again together with new opportunities for amateur players in participating countries.”

Jason Francis, Chairman of World Seniors Snooker said: “The tour we are building is the perfect vehicle for former professionals of the game like Dene who were household names in the 1980s and still enjoy competing, It would be great to see more players of his era giving this tour a go.”

The UK Seniors Championship qualifiers take place on 21-23 September 2018 at the i20 club in Kowloon, Hong Kong. It is open to any player over 40 years of age who is a member of their national federation. The winner in Hong Kong will take their place alongside legends including Jimmy White in Hull this October, with the winner to earn their place at the professional 2019 Betfred World Championship.

To enter a qualifier click HERE.

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