The 2021 Q-School finished last Sunday and it’s time to take stock of what happened over the 18 days of competion at the EIS. There were certainly plenty of positives for the Seniors players.

Four of the Seniors players who competed in WSS events over the last months managed to regain their professional status: Mick Judge, the reigning WSS UK Champion, Barry Pinches, Peter Lines and Alfie Burden. Alfie had lost his professional status at the end of the 2019/20 season and, at the time, his mindset was that he was finished with snooker and was to put his cue away for good. However, after a few months, he decided to to give the Seniors Q-School a go and he enjoyed playing and competing again. Fast forward and after success in the Professional Q-Scholl event, he’s back on the main tour.

Tony Knowles, aged 65, also entered the Q-School. He didn’t qualify for the main tour, but he certainly showed that he still can play! He finished ranked 46th out of 184 in the Order of Merit, having won five matches in the process. David Lilley, the reigning WSS World Champion, also did well at the Q-School: he did not qualify either but finished 8th in the Order of Merit. This means that he has a good chance to be invited to play in many of the Main Tour events this season.

Another Senior – Super Senior actually – made it into the WST News. Indeed Gary Filtness was credited by Stuart Bingham for a return to form and confidence that lead to a great semi-final run at the Crucible last April. Here is what Stuart had to say:

“Over the last year I’ve been working with my new coach Gary Filtness and I’m now seeing the benefits. Getting back in that environment and only being beaten by the odd frame makes me definitely think I can win the World Championship again. I have that belief now. Looking forward to next season I know what I have to do. I’m trying to get myself a little bit fitter. I’m playing lots of golf and watching what I eat at the moment. I’m looking for a season where I win a tournament or two.

More than ever …

Dare to Dream !