snooker:
Wakelin set to star on the baize

Buy photos » Chris Wakelin with his English u21 Open trophy. (s)

HAVING recently turned professional, Rugby snooker star Chris Wakelin is plotting his path up the world rankings as he looks to compete with the sport’s biggest names.

The 21-year-old, who plays at Atack Snooker Club in Nuneaton, won professional status on the final day of Q School in dramatic circumstances when his opponent’s cue snapped in the deciding match, leaving the Asda worker determined to make the most of his opportunity.

“Having just missed out on winning a place on the tour on one of the earlier Q School days I thought it was going to be more of the same when I went 2-0 down against Adam Wicheard in the deciding game,” he said.

“But I got myself 3-2 up and one frame away from victory when Adam’s cue snapped as he was leaning on it, and that was the end of the match.

“It was a bizarre way to win and a little bit of an anti-climax really but I’ll definitely take it and now hopefully I can make the most of my opportunity.

“A lot of the other Q School competitors are full time players and can practice a lot more than I can, so to come through it was really pleasing.”

Ability

Wakelin, who made his professional debut against 2002 World Champion Peter Ebdon in the Wuxi Classic qualifiers, says he is gradually settling into life as a professional and he proved his ability further at the weekend when defeating Hammad Miah 8-4 to be crowned English u21 Open champion at the Star Snooker Academy in Sheffield.

“I entered Q School as a result of reaching the final of the u21 event so to go on and secure a tour place and win the event is fantastic,” he said.

“I have a guaranteed tour card for two years now and it is the perfect chance for me to gain experience and try and lift myself up the rankings.

“Due to the change in the way a lot of tournaments are played, all of the players - even the top 16 - enter events at the first round stage now which means I could literally draw anybody in these events.

“My aim for the year though is to have a good run in at least one ranking event and if I can push myself into the TV stages of a tournament then all the better.”

Wakelin will still have to combine his practice sessions with working at Asda though in order to help fund entry and travel to events, with costs quickly building as he makes plans to enter all of the international events.

If you would like to sponsor Chris and help his climb up the world rankings, you can contact him by emailing chrisw147@me.com.

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