Snooker Players turn to Pool in off-season
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After causing one of the shocks of the Crucible, Mark Selby is set to play in another World Championship.
The Leicester professional lost in the last 16 to Mark Williams but only after removing John Higgins, many people’s tip for the trophy that eventually went to Graeme Dott.
Now Selby, 23, has set his sights on winning the ImproveYourPool.com World 8-Ball Pool championship at Blackpool, which starts on Monday.
Indeed, while the likes of Ronnie O’Sullivan, Jimmy White and Tony Drago are shooting 9-Ball in their spare time, Selby is a long standing supporter of the traditional English game.
Indeed, he will be joined at the Norbreck Castle Hotel - a familiar venue for snooker enthusiasts down the years - by Leicester pal, Tom Ford.
The duo are making a double pronged assault on the men’s individual title, previously held on two occasions by another snooker pro, Chris Melling.
Ford had to qualify and did so in style winning six matches at Vauxhall Holiday Park, Great Yarmouth.
Crucible quarter-finalist Neil Robertson was considering a last minute invitation to take part in the 10-day event.
But while he chose to recharge his batteries after a successful snooker campaign, the Robertson family will be represented by younger brother, Marc.
But it’s Selby - who believes he has a good opportunity to swell his summer earnings by £10,000.
“I think I’ve got a good chance,” he explained. “The first year I played I wasn’t really familiar with the rules.
“However, I’ve got used to them now and I can’t use that as an excuse. Obviously, a lot depends on the break off shot.
“But if I’m still in when we get to the bigger eight foot tables for the televised stages, then the odds on me winning should increase.”
Selby’s debut in 2004 ended in the last 32. He had four wins under his belt before running up against eventual finalist Darren Appleton and losing 8-0!
World No 29 Selby and Ford, the world No 45, are team mates in the Leicestershire County Pool side. He also plays for a couple of league teams.
“I used to play more pool before I got into the snooker. And it’s something I really enjoy.”
Selby, runner-up to David Gray at the 2003 Scottish Open, had mixed feelings about his Sheffield experience.
“I went there knowing I was in the real tough section of the draw. So, I can’t be too upset to lose in the last 16.
“But I didn’t really do too much wrong against Mark Williams. I had one bad session and just left myself with too much to do.
“Certainly beating John was a real highlight and showed people I can play the game.”
And it certainly won’t be a major shock if Selby upsets the odds at Blackpool. As at the Crucible, no first time champion as ever retained the title so he certainly has a shot at succeeding eight-ball pool’s own Stoke potter, Gareth Potts.
O'Sullivan, meanwhile, is set to compete in the PartyCasino.com World 9-Ball Pool Masters in Holland. Tornado Tony Drago is also in the starting line-up for the event taking place from June 16-18 at the Hotel Zuiderduin, Egmond aan Zee, Holland.
Source
- www.worldsnooker.com
Date
Wed 05/31/06, 3:22 am EST
