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The 2024 World Seniors Snooker Championship – Day 3 – Afternoon Session

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Jimmy White’s defence of the World Seniors title came to an end at the hands of Igor Figueiredo. Igor beat him by 3-0 in the first match of this afternoon. The scores are available on snookerscores.net as usual. Jimmy never really settled in this match. Igor was always in control of the first frame and took it comfortably. It looked for all the world that Jimmy would take the second frame but Igor stole it on the last colours. From then on, Jimmy looked very nervous and anxious. Igor did what he had to do and closed the match on a whitewash score.

Here are the pictures taken before and during that match:

The reason I took those “general view” pictures this afternoon is that Mark Allen came on Twitter/X suggesting that nobody was interested in watching this event. I’m not sure why Mark felt the need to post such a thing but when he challenged me to show the crowd … I took the challenge. No, it’s not a full packed house, but, considering that this is a week-day afternoon it’s still a very decent crowd. Actually, there were more people than shown in the pictures. This was taken during frame 3. A number of viewers had left the arena after the first two frames … heading for refreshments or for the loo.

The second match of the afternoon session saw Ken Doherty beat Dechawat Poomjaeng by 3-2. You will find the scores here. Other than the second, all frames were one-sided. Poomy lead 2-1, having scored a 50 break in frame 3. The “danger” seemed to spur Kendo on … he dominated the last two frames, scoring breaks of 51 and 70 in the process.

Here are the images taken during that match:

The 2024 World Seniors Snooker Championship – Day 1 – Evening Session

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The first match of the evening saw Stuart Watson literally destroy Tony Knowles, beating him by 3-0. The scores are available on snookerscores.net . At the time of writing the score of the last frame is clearly wrong. This is manual entry and should be the other way around. When I say destroy, it’s not like Tony was potted off the table but he never looked at ease and Stuart was in a very punishing mood whenever Tony made a mistake. Stuart is making the most of his opportunity: he wasn’t originally in the draw and was called in when Mohamed Khairy was forced to withdraw because of visa issues.

Here are the images from that match:

The second match of the evening was a really good one. Tessa Davidson, the Women Seniors Champion gave a really good account of herself. She was extremely nervous at the start of the match but, after the first frame, she was able to show how good she is. She was beaten by Igor Figueiredo, by 3-1, but Igor had to play really well to get the win. In the second frame – which she won – Tessa made a very good 76 break. Again the scores are on snookerscores.net but at the time of writing, the last frame is missing and Tessa’s break isn’t shown. There was a lot of praise in the media room for both players.

Here are the images of that match:

Regarding the “media” conditions I have to say that they are excellent. We have a nice media room and the wifi is working great. I was very happy to see everyone again and, it seems, everyone was happy to see me back as well 😀

Seniors of Sheffield Day Returns to the Crucible

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The welcome news was shared by WSS

SENIORS OF SHEFFIELD DAY RETURNS TO THE CRUCIBLE THEATRE

World Seniors Snooker is delighted to announce the return of the Seniors of Sheffield Day which will take place during the World Seniors Snooker Championship on Friday 10 May.

In partnership with Age UK Sheffield, the day will bring 600 local residents from the aging population in the city to the Crucible Theatre to watch the event and meet some legends of the snooker world.

The number of over 50’s experiencing loneliness is set to reach two million by 2025/6. This compares to around 1.4 million in 2016/7 – a 49% increase in 10 years and Age UK reported in 2016 that there are 1.2 million chronically lonely older people in the UK.

Jason Francis, Chairman of World Seniors Snooker and creator of the initiative, said “According to our partners Age UK half a million older people go at least five or six days a week without seeing or speaking to anyone at all. Loneliness, living alone and poor social connections is hugely detrimental to people’s health”

Rohit Sagoo, World Seniors Director said “It’s about getting those who are in the aging population in Sheffield out of their seats, out of their homes to come and watch some snooker at the Crucible.”

John Parrott, 1991 World Snooker Champion said “It’s a brilliant idea, everyone’s excited to see the snooker and meet some of the legends. It’s a wonderful initiative for the event and the city”

Lucy Sharp from Age UK Sheffield said “Last year was such an amazing success and we have been inundated with requests for tickets this year. Giving the people of Sheffield a day out to meet the stars, meet each other and see some snooker has been so well received”

The Mr Vegas World Seniors Snooker Championship which will be played between 8-12 May and be shown live in the UK on Channel 5.

Tickets are now on sale via the Crucible on 0114 2496000 or online at www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

To find out more about Age UK please visit https://www.ageuk.org.uk/

Mr Vegas to sponsor the 2024 World Seniors Snooker Championship and more great news!

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Jason Francis shared this Press Release today (9 April 2024):

PRESS RELEASE

World Seniors Snooker are delighted to announce that MR VEGAS will headline their World Championship which will be played at the Crucible Theatre between 8-12th May and be shown live in the Uk on Channel 5.

A global field from 5 continents will make up this year’s field as players from as far as Australia and Brazil descend on the home of snooker to chase the coveted World Seniors Crown.

Defending Champion is Jimmy White, who will be searching for his 5th title but he will face stiff competition from 1997 World Champion, and recent Mr Vegas 900 Winner Ken Doherty as well as 1986 World Champion Joe Johnson.

From overseas we welcome Asian legend James Wattana, from Malta Tony Drago, as well as Pan American Seniors Champion Igor Figueiredo from Brazil and Tyson Crinis from Australia who holds the Asia Pacific Seniors Title.

Ireland is further represented for Uk Seniors Champion Michael Judge and former professional, and former Irish Seniors Finalist Rodney Goggins.

No one can forget how Dechawat Poomjeang lit up the crucible in 2013 and the former professional from Thailand take his first tilt at a Seniors Crown.

Also in the field is former world number 2 Tony Knowles, former ranking event winner Barry Pinches and current European Seniors Champion Darren Morgan from Wales. Africa is represented by way of their Seniors Champion Mohammed Khairy who hails from Egypt. Former professional Andrew Norman and the recent Women’s World Seniors Champion Tessa Davison make up the 16 who will contest a new £50,000 prize fund.

The winner will take home £20,000 and take a place in the Champion of Champions Event later this year.

Jason Francis, Chairman of World Seniors said “Its fantastic to welcome Mr Vegas as our title sponsor for the World Championship following our partnership with them on the two recent 900 events. We are also delighted to secure a major free to air broadcaster in Channel 5.

Ulle Skottling, deputy CEO of Videoslots, the UKGC-licensed online casino company running the Mr Vegas brand, said “We are pleased to continue our partnership with World Seniors Snooker. We like to bring a bit of Vegas in our sponsored events and we’re sure that the Snooker at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield will rock and roll.”

Tickets are now on sale via the Crucible on 0114 2496000 or online at www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

To find out more about Mr Vegas please visit www.mrvegas.com

This is a fantastic, truly international line-up and, as a women myself, I’m particularly pleased to see Tessa Davisson in the draw 😊

Seniors Crucible Qualifiers in Carlow – Infos

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Carlow, Ireland, will host qualifiers for the 2024 World Seniors Snooker Championship.

Here is what you need to know, as shared by WSS

World Senior and Super Senior Events in Carlow

Snooker, Billiards Ireland are delighted to be chosen by World Seniors Snooker to host a World Seniors Snooker Championship qualifier from 23rd-25th February 2024.

” Play will start no earlier than 5pm on Friday 23rd Feb”

ENTER NOW

The winner of this senior’s event will receive a place at the famous Crucible Theatre in Sheffield against the stars of the game for the 2024 LLP Solicitors World Seniors Snooker Championship from the 8th to the 12th May.

Talbot Hotel – Carlow

  • 22nd €95.00 single and €115.00 double.
  • 23rd and 24th we can offer €120.00 single and €140.00 double

Players need to contact – reservations@talbothotelcarlow.ie or +353 (0)59 91 53000 to make a bookings.

The seniors cut off is Over 40 on or before 23rd Feb 2024.

There will also be a World Super Seniors event on Sunday 25th February at the SBI HQ in Carlow for prize money and ranking points. The super seniors cut off is Over 55 on or before 25th Feb 2024.

Open to all SBI Members

These events are open to all our members, and it promises to be an amazing event with leading players from around the world travelling to Ireland in search of the dream ticket of playing the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield so don’t miss out and all the links are below to enter.

Closing Date

The Closing dates is February the 16th at Noon for both events. The TD will be Paul from WSS.

Seniors Event

All players will need to secure a 2023/24 World Seniors Tour Membership to participate.

Tour membership link

https://www.snookerscores.net/organisation/world-seniors-snooker/memberships/world-seniors-snooker-tour-members-202324

Entry link to the event

https://www.snookerscores.net/tournament-manager/llp-solicitors-world-seniors-championship-qualifying-3-1

Super Seniors Over 55’s

https://www.snookerscores.net/tournament-manager/world-seniors-super-seniors-event-3-1

2023 Seniors Snooker World Championship announcement

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This morning Jason Francis has shared this on social media:

 

LeeWalkerWinner-2

PRESS RELEASE

The Dream continues…. lets get cracking and change a few more snooker players lives…

The World Seniors Snooker Tour is proud to announce the 2023 World Seniors Snooker Championship which will be held at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield from Wednesday 3rd to Sunday 7th May 2023.

Once again the event will hold qualifiers to give opportunities for any amateur player, or any current WST professional player ranked 64-128 on the main tour, and over 40 on or before the 28th October 2022, to win one of four coveted spots at the event alongside legends of the game including Jimmy White, Stephen Hendry and Ken Doherty. Lee Walker will begin the defence of his title on the opening night.

Four Qualifiers will be held at the Crucible Club in Reading, with the winner of each event progressing to the main Championships. The dates of those qualifiers are

Qualifier 1 Friday 28th – Sunday 30th October 2022
Qualifier 2 Friday 13th – Sunday 15th January 2023
Qualifier 3 Friday 17th – Sunday 19th February 2023
Qualifier 4 Friday 10th – Sunday 12th March 2023

Entries will open on Monday 3rd October via https://snookerscores.net/

You cannot enter yet.

All players will need to secure, or already hold, a World Seniors Tour Membership for the 2022/23 Season. Pros who already hold a WPBSA membership do not need both.

Further details and an entry pack will be produced prior to entries opening.

This is not a full calendar, but it’s excellent news all the same.

2022 Ways World Seniors Snooker Championship – Day 3

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This is the official report on day 3 at the 2022 Ways World Seniors Snooker Championship:

Defending champion David Lilley and former champions Jimmy White and Nigel Bond were amongst those that advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2022 Ways Facilities Management World Seniors Snooker Championship during Friday’s play at the Crucible Theatre. 

Lilley – aiming to become the first maiden winner to retain the title – survived a big scare, coming back from two down with three to play to oust Philip Williams. 

Qualifier Williams opened up a 2-0 lead (56 break, frame one) before Lilley responded with frames three (60 break) and four to level up. However, in a nervy deciding frame, Williams had the opportunity to counter-attack but rattled the final red along the top cushion. The mistake was capitalised on by a very relieved Lilley. 

Elsewhere in the morning session, Ken Doherty ended the challenge of Wayne Cooper, 3-1. 

A quarter of a century on from his glory in the professional championship here, Doherty recorded breaks of 70 and 73 to dispatch his opponent and stay on course for a unique quadruple having also claimed the world junior and amateur accolades early in his prestigious career. 

The afternoon began with Lee Walker producing arguably the performance of the event so far as he eliminated Stephen Hendry, 3-0. 

The Welshman hit the ground running, crafting a magnificent 121 clearance in the opening frame – the first century of this year’s championship. Further breaks of 63 and 49 helped Walker stifle Hendry and move into the last eight for the first time. 

Michael Holt will also feature in the quarter-finals but the tournament favourite didn’t have it all his own way as he defeated 2011 winner Darren Morgan. 

Holt comfortably won the first frame with an effort of 63, but the experienced former world number eight struck back with a 51 to level up before appearing to look good for a lead in frame three. 

However, whilst on a break of 63, Morgan missed a pot down a side cushion and Holt punished, pinching the frame on the final black with a clearance of 34. With momentum now on his side, former Shoot Out winner Holt – competing in his first world seniors event – wrapped the match up without reply in the fourth. He will face Lilley next in a tasty clash. 

Crowd favourite and three-time champion White got his campaign off to a pleasing start as he eliminated African seniors champion Wael Talaat from Egypt, 3-0. 

White, who recently celebrated his 60th birthday, made a clutch break of 38 to secure the opener before finding his scoring groove with contributions of 67 and 79. Since the championship moved here in 2019, the Londoner has lost just once in 13 matches – last year’s final to Lilley. 

The day was rounded off with a routine 3-0 success for 2012 winner Bond over John Parrott. Bond top scored with 57 in the second frame. 

Following his appearance, 1991 World Professional Champion Parrott announced his competitive retirement from the seniors circuit. 

Parrott was given a standing ovation by the crowd in the Crucible Theatre as he paraded the world trophy he first lifted there over three decades ago. 

First of all, best wishes of happy retirement to John Parrot!

All three, Philip Williams, Wayne Cooper and Wael Talaat gave a really good account of themselves in this competition. We have to remember that, unlike their opponents, they have very little or no experience of this venue and are not used to the professional conditions. They should be proud of themselves. I hope that they fully enjoyed the occasion.

Stephen Hendry, on the other hand, was poor. Ok, Lee Walker was playing really well but still … That said, Stephen worked for the BBC during the whole 17 days of the 2022 World championship, so, maybe he couldn’t prepare as well as he would have wanted to.

Nigel Bond had far too much for John Parrott who has struggled with eyes issues over the last years. John had surely informed Jason Francis about his retirement plans because Jason had made sure that the World Trophy would be available at the premises for that little parade… John deserved a great farewell and he got it!

 

 

Future Seniors UK Championship – Sponsors and Venue announcement

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Following the success of the 2022 Seniors UK Championship at the Bonus Arena in Hull earlier this month, this was shared by Jason Francis on social media

WAYS

We are delighted to announce WAYS Facilities Management will continue as the title sponsor of the UK Seniors Snooker Championship for a further two years plus we are thrilled to have agreed a two year extension to our contract with Bonus Arena, Hull Hull is well on the way to being a Snooker City Hull Live Hull City Council

2022 WSS Ways Seniors UK Championship – The Quarter-finals

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Here is the report on the official WSS site about quarter-finals day in Hull:

WAYS UK Seniors Championship 2022 | Day Three Report

Only four players remain on course for 2022 WAYS UK Seniors Snooker Championship glory following the completion of the quarter-finals on Thursday at the Bonus Arena in Hull.

The first player through to the last four was Peter Lines who overcame good friend Kuldesh Johal 4-1.

Lines claimed the opener on the pink although qualifier Johal squared up with the second frame. However, breaks of 60 and 69 helped the in-form Lines make it through and keep alive his hopes of being only the second player on the World Seniors Snooker Tour to have won both the world and UK championships.

Peter Lines

No player has held both the seniors circuit’s biggest two titles at the same time but reigning world seniors champion David Lilley is just two more wins away from becoming the first.

Lilley has yet to drop a frame so far after he dispatched 1986 world champion Joe Johnson 4-0. Carrying on his impressive scoring form from round one, the 46-year-old constructed breaks of 76 and 74 as he went 2-0 ahead. He then made a 58 in the third – eventually taking the frame on the final black – before rounding off another fine performance with a run of 59 in the fourth.

David Lilley

In the evening session, Jimmy White moved closer to yet another seniors accolade after ending the challenge of qualifier Wayne Cooper.

The three-time world and 2017 UK seniors champion produced breaks of 59 and 56 in the first two frames before securing the third on the final pink to go 3-0 up.

White looked like wrapping up a clean sweep victory when he made a 53 in the fourth, although Cooper showed determination as he countered with a 50 and later got on the board via the pink. This just delayed the outcome, though, as the popular Londoner got across the line in the next frame for a 4-1 win.

Jimmy White

The day concluded with the tie of the round as Ken Doherty denied Stephen Hendry 4-1 in a rerun of their world championship final from nearly 25 years ago.

Hendry levelled the match with the aid of a 61 break in frame two, but Doherty – who himself crafted a 61 in frame four – was the stronger player in the latter stages and ended up going through comfortably.

The semi-finals will take place during the afternoon session on Friday with the final in the evening. All four remaining players have already tasted success on the seniors circuit; Lines faces Doherty while White plays Lilley in a repeat of the world seniors final from the Crucible Theatre last spring.

I only watched the evening matches, so can’t comment on the other two.

Wayne Cooper looked very nervous, especially at the start and was not able to replicate the form he had shown in the last 16 round. Also, the “rest” wasn’t his best friend on the nigth… Jimmy White was far from his best himself, but did enough and was helped also by getting a bit of luck here and there.

Ken Doherty was far too good for Stephen Hendry. Hendry’s long potting was poor but that didn’t stop him to try and attack the way he always did. This was often his undoing as, when missing, he usually left Ken in amongst the balls … There were some very good shots by Hendry, but no consistency.