Qualifying School

Qualifying School is an annual amateur snooker competition in which non-professional players battle it out over several rounds to earn a place on the main tour.

First established in 2011, the event offers a pathway for all amateur players and recently relegated tour professionals to secure a two-year card on the main circuit.

The 2017 competition will run for 11 days from May 9-20 across two events at the Preston Guild Hall, an iconic venue in snooker history and one bound to inspire those aiming for the eight golden tickets and many more magic moments in the sport.

Players like David Grace, Stuart Carrington and Robbie Williams have all earned their professional status via this route and, subsequently, gone on to qualify for the Crucible in the future years, so there is plenty up for grabs for all the hopefuls.

There are plenty of big names to keep an eye on during this year’s event including the recently relegated Joe Swail, as well as Jamie Cope, Martin O’Donnell and Sean O’Sullivan.

Former professionals Tony Drago, Andy Hicks, Mike Hallett and Tony Knowles will also be hoping to turn back the clock and secure a return to the main circuit, while Welsh teenager Jackson Page is eyeing the step up after impressing as a wildcard at the Welsh Open earlier this year.

Elsewhere, 11-time ladies’ World champion Reanne Evans launches her latest bid to re-join her male counterparts on the tour, where she participated during the 2010/11 season but failed to win a match in that time, while reigning title holder Ng On Yee is also flying the female flag.

The competition runs from May 9-20 at the Preston Guild Hall.