This was announced yesterday by Jason Francis on social media and is now reported on the WSS official site:
World Seniors Snooker Championship Shootout Qualifying Event Unveiled
World Seniors Snooker (WSS) is delighted to announce that an additional qualification place will be made available to tour players at the 2025 World Seniors Snooker Championship following a change in the qualifying criteria
The top two players on the official World Seniors Snooker ranking list, as well as the top two on the ‘Race to the Crucible’ one-year list will earn their places in the Crucible Theatre, as previously announced, and they will now be joined by the winner of a newly announced ‘Top 16 Shootout’ event.
The 16 players qualifying for this new event will be those ranked between 3rd and 10th on both lists with the official ranking list taking precedence at all times.
Jason Francis, Chairman of WSS, said: “We want to be a tour that listens to its members. We have listened and we have reacted and it now the fight is not just for the top two spots on each ranking list, but also for the top ten.”
A full list of dates and venues can be found below:
2024
9-11 August (Reading)
27-29 September (Reading)
11-13 October (Reading)
22-24 November (Reading)
13-15 December (Reading)
2025
17-19 January (Newbury)
7-9 February (Reading)
7-9 March (Reading)
4-6 April (Reading)
Amateur players must be 40 on or before the first days play in each event, while professionals ranked outside the top 64 at the start of the 2024/25 season must be over 45 on or before the first days play.
Entries for all events are now open at WPBSA SnookerScores and will close seven days prior to each event.
There is no doubt that Jason is investing himself 100% to further develop the Seniors Snooker Tour, a tour that badly suffered from the covid crisis and its aftermath. In the early years the tour relied a lot on the past legends of the sport. Those players have earned the privilege and are still attracting a lot of fans. But it’s not viable as a long term strategy of course and – to make it worse – some of the oldest players on the main tour stubbornly continue to play very wel, sit at the top of the rankings and refuse to retire. The rascals! 😡😉
WORLD SENIORS SNOOKER TOUR | 2024/25 SEASON DETAILS ANNOUNCED
World Seniors Snooker (WSS) is excited to announce nine new events as part of a ‘Race to the Crucible’ series and can also confirm that the age cut-off for amateur players on the tour will remain at 40 for the coming season.
The new series will see nine events held across the 2024/25 season at The Crucible Club venues in Reading and Newbury with a total of four places at the prestigious 2025 World Seniors Championship at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield on offer.
The top two ranked players on both the official World Seniors Snooker tour official world ranking list and the new one-year ranking list will earn their places in Sheffield and the system replaces the previous four qualifying events which each offered a spot to the winner.
In addition, WSS can now confirm that the cut-off age for amateur snooker players to enter an event will remain at 40. Any World Snooker Tour (WST) professional aged over 45 and ranked outside of the top 64 is also eligible to enter.
Jason Francis, Chairman of WSS, said: “Last season, we announced an intention to move the eligibility to play as an amateur on the tour from 40 to 45, but today we are reversing that decision after listening to our partnering federations and players. We are also more than doubling the number of events this season and replacing the system where just the winner of the events got a place in Sheffield with a new ‘Race to The Crucible’.”
A full list of dates and venues can be found below:
2024
9-11 August (Reading)
27-29 September (Reading)
11-13 October (Reading)
22-24 November (Reading)
13-15 December (Reading)
2025
17-19 January (Newbury)
7-9 February (Reading)
7-9 March (Reading)
4-6 April (Reading)
Entries for all events will open for entry from Monday 1 July on WPBSA SnookerScores and entries for each event will close seven days prior.
Whilst I’m very happy to see more Seniors Snooker events on the calendar, I had hoped for a return of the Seniors Snooker Masters and/or the Seniors Snooker UK Championship. I would also love to see a Seniors European Championship and a Seniors Asian Championship. I know that this is only possible if more financial resources are available and it’s a bit what we call a “vicious circle” in French. To get resources, you need visibility, but to become more visible you need more events and exposure … but to set up more events you need more resources. Channel 5 commitment is brilliant but it’s only the start.
Anyway … good luck to all Seniors players and hopefully see you at the Crucible in May!
Ken Doherty and Igor Figueiredo will meet in the final of the 2024 Mr Vegas World Seniors Championship final after both won their semi-finals by a 4-1 scoreline on Saturday afternoon at the Crucible Theatre.
Both players are aiming to lift the World Seniors title for the first time in their career and they will face off on Sunday afternoon in a best-of-nine frame title match.
Doherty is now one victory away from the completion of an historic ‘grand slam’ which would see him add the Seniors crown alongside the World Under-21, World Amateur and World Professional titles he won in 1989 and 1997 respectively.
Meanwhile, Figueiredo becomes the first ever cueist from outside of Europe to reach the final of the tournament and success against Doherty would represent the biggest victory of the 46-year-old’s career.
UNSTOPPABLE IGOR FIRES THROUGH
Figueiredo gave the finest performance of the tournament so far to wrap up a 4-1 victory over ‘The Tornado’ Tony Drago with back-to-back century breaks.
The high-scoring nature of the contest may have come as a surprise to those watching the opening frame which was a nervy affair and saw neither player able to build up any rhythm as the Brazilian took it on the final blue.
The break-building quickly arrived for both players as Drago levelled the game with a break of 69 before Figueiredo restored his advantaged with his first half-century of the afternoon.
A stunning break of 110 from Figueiredo, the first century break of this year’s tournament, moved the Brazilian one frame away from the final and he charged over the line in emphatic fashion by firing in a 119 to complete the victory with impressive back-to-back centuries.
After reaching Sunday’s final, Figueiredo said: “I am very happy – I played very well in the last two frames. Two century breaks is not bad for myself! I am very happy to get into the final.
The Brazilian credits his wife Camilla for his upturn in form and he said after the victory: “My wife is my heart, she inspires me a lot and gives me power and support. My life changed after my wife and I do everything for her.”
CRAFTY KEN INTO SECOND SENIORS FINAL
Doherty booked his place in a first Mr Vegas World Seniors Championship final since 2020 by defeating Barry Pinches 4-1 in the semi-final.
The Irishman offered his best performance of the event so far and will be aiming to quash the memories of his last World Seniors final, when he led Jimmy White 4-0 at the Crucible before succumbing to a 5-4 defeat.
There was clear tension early on in the contest with the first frame taking over half an hour before Doherty crucially took it on the final black.
The 1997 World champion ultimately needed three visits to take the second frame, but eventually got over the line, before an unexpected miss from an out-of-sorts Pinches allowed Doherty to move one away from victory at 3-0.
The Englishman briefly rallied to pull a frame back at 3-1, but it was too little too late as ‘The Darling of Dublin’ completed the victory in frame five to set up a Sunday afternoon final meeting with Figueiredo.
“I got off to a good start by winning that black ball game and I’m thrilled to bits to get through to the final” Doherty reflected post-match.
“It was a really tough match and I’m a bit jaded but just so excited about tomorrow and the final against Igor Figueiredo.
“I’m not going to count any chickens, I’m just going to go out and play my best and give it all I can. I definitely want to win this tournament, it’s one I want to tick off my list, but I have a very tough opponent in front of me.”
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.
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.
Mr Vegas World Seniors Championship 2024 | Schedule
World Seniors Snooker is pleased to confirm the schedule for the 2024 Mr Vegas World Seniors Championship.
The tournament sees a global field of 16 cueists head to the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield aiming to secure the prestigious title at snooker’s most iconic venue. This year, for the first time, the Mr Vegas World Seniors Championship will be broadcast live on Channel 5 in the UK from 8-12 May.
First Round Schedule
Wednesday 8th May
12pm
James Wattana (Thailand) vs. Rodney Goggins (Ireland)
Ken Doherty (Ireland) vs. Tyson Crinis (Australia)
7pm
Tony Knowles (England) vs. Mohamed Khairy (Egypt)
Igor Figueiredo (Brazil) vs. Tessa Davidson (England)
Thursday 9th May
12pm
Tony Drago (Malta) vs. Michael Judge (Ireland)
Jimmy White (England) vs. Andrew Norman (England)
7pm
Joe Johnson (England) vs. Barry Pinches (England)
Darren Morgan (Wales) vs. Dechawat Poomjaeng (Thailand)
Jimmy White arrives in Sheffield looking to secure a record-extending fifth World Seniors crown and he will begin his campaign against Andrew Norman in the second match of the afternoon session on day two, following Malta’s Tony Drago against Michael Judge.
The honour of opening the event falls to qualifier Rodney Goggins and James Wattana, who is competing in the Mr Vegas World Seniors Championship for the first time since 2019, who will be followed by 1997 World champion Ken Doherty against Australia’s Tyson Crinis on the first afternoon.
Wednesday evening sees former World number two Tony Knowles begin his campaign against Egypt’s Mohamed Khairy before Igor Figueiredo and World Women’s Snooker Seniors champion Tessa Davidson face off in the final match of day one.
Former World champion Joe Johnson then headlines the second evening, taking on veteran former professional Barry Pinches, before Darren Morgan and Dechawat Poomjaeng conclude the opening round of action.
The quarter-finals and semi-finals will be played on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 May.
The 2024 Mr Vegas World Seniors Championship final will get underway at Sunday 12 May at 12 o’clock.
Tickets are now on sale from just £17.50 via the Crucible on 0114 2496000 or online at www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
This is a truly, diverse, international line-up! Bring it on!
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.”
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.
The WPBSA World Seniors Tour 
