Former World Under 21 Champion to retire

Brian Morgan (England) has decided to retire from the Main Snooker Tour, and hopes his new choice of career will lift-off soon.

The Essex stalwart decided not to renew his membership of WPBSA after dropping off the Tour last season.

However, there are other challenges on the horizon for the 37-year-old former Asian Classic runner-up.

Morgan, who may yet play on the Pontin's International Open Series next season, is hoping to become more involved in coaching.

But he is also looking to earn his wings as a commercial airline pilot - following the example of fellow Tiptree cueman Ali Carter.

Morgan, who enjoyed a best ranking of 25, is already qualified to fly single seater aircraft.

And he's currently studying hard so he can become 'Captain Brian Morgan' and take holiday flights to the sun.

"With the time you get off in the summer I decided to study for an Airline Transport Pilots' Licence," he revealed.

"You need a minimum of 150 flying hours which I've got. Now I've two last ground exams to pass - my Commercial Pilots Licence and the Instrument Ratings test.

"Over the last couple of years I haven't made much money out of snooker and I had to look at other ways to earn a living.

"But it will feel a bit strange once the season starts because snooker is all I've ever done since leaving school.

"But I can play the PIOS events, knowing that's the way I can get back on the main tour if I want.

"But I think I've had a decent career. My best years were probably between 96 and 98.

"I got to the final in Thailand, won the B&H Championship to qualify for the Masters, then went to Wembley won a match there.

"I qualified for the Crucible four or five times but just missed out on the top 16. I'd like to think I might have stayed in for a few years if I got the chance."

Morgan lost 9-8 to Ronnie O'Sullivan (England) in the 1996 Asian Classic but made the highest breaks of the televised and non televised stage - 139 and 146.

"I've done a bit of coaching already but obviously I'd like to get more closely involved in that side of the game. And I still enjoy snooker even though I won't be on the main tour."

Source

• www.worldsnooker.com

Date

Fri 06/23/06, 3:14 am EST