Tony Knowles, a former world No. 2 snooker player, is set to compete at Q School in Leicester at the age of 68 in hopes of returning to the main professional World Snooker Tour. Knowles, who reached his career-high ranking after reaching the 1985 World Championship semi-finals, will face Jack Borwick of Scotland in the first round of the qualifying event. The best-of-seven frame encounters will run from Tuesday, May 21st to Sunday, May 26th at the city’s Mattioli Arena, with Knowles needing to win six matches to secure a spot on the tour. Despite not competing on the main circuit since 2001, Knowles reached the last 32 of Q School in 2021 before losing to Mark Lloyd.
Several other players, including 1995 world semi-finalist Andy Hicks, former Crucible qualifiers James Cahill and Mark Joyce, and two-time ranking event quarter-finalist Liam Highfield, will also be vying to regain tour cards at Q School. Following the awarding of four tour cards in the first qualifying event, the process will be repeated in qualifying event two in Leicester from May 27th to June 1st, with four more tour cards up for grabs. Additionally, two Asia and Oceania qualifying events in Bangkok from May 22nd to 27th and May 28th to June 2nd will offer four more tour cards. Snooker fans can watch the action live on discovery+, the Eurosport app, and eurosport.com, including the World Snooker Championship.
Knowles won two ranking events – the International Open in 1982 and the Professional Players Tournament in 1983 – during his career. Despite his long absence from the main snooker circuit, Knowles remains determined to compete at a high level at his age. His previous success and experience will be valuable assets as he faces younger opponents at Q School in his quest to earn a place on the World Snooker Tour. The grueling tournament format, with multiple matches and intense competition, will test Knowles’ skills and resilience as he aims to make a comeback in professional snooker.
The competition at Q School is fierce, with talented players from various backgrounds and experience levels all vying for a chance to secure a tour card and compete at the highest level of professional snooker. Each match at Q School is crucial, as players must consistently perform at their best to advance and ultimately earn a place on the World Snooker Tour. With only a limited number of tour cards available, the pressure is high, and every frame won or lost can make a significant difference in a player’s chances of success. Knowles and his fellow competitors will need to bring their A-game and stay focused throughout the tournament to achieve their goals.
The process of earning a tour card through Q School is rigorous and demanding, requiring players to showcase their skills, mental toughness, and strategic acumen over several days of competition. The intense schedule of matches, combined with the pressure of performing under the spotlight, tests players’ physical and mental endurance as they vie for a coveted spot on the World Snooker Tour. For Knowles and others seeking a return to professional snooker, Q School represents a challenging but potentially rewarding opportunity to prove themselves against a competitive field and pursue their dreams of success in the sport. As the tournament unfolds, fans will eagerly follow the progress of players like Knowles as they strive to make their mark on the snooker world once again.
The stakes are high at Q School, as players not only compete for tour cards but also for the opportunity to showcase their skills on the world stage and potentially earn significant prize money and accolades. For seasoned players like Knowles, Q School represents a chance to reignite their careers and compete against the top talents in snooker. The intense and unpredictable nature of the tournament adds to the excitement for fans and players alike, as each match can potentially alter the course of a player’s career. As Knowles and his fellow competitors prepare to battle it out at Q School, the snooker world eagerly anticipates the drama, excitement, and surprises that will unfold during the qualifying events in Leicester and Bangkok.
