Ssb - pro challenge entries up

[MySockPuppet]

The third event of the new Pro Challenge Series will be the best attended so far.

A total of 52 players, including four members of the top 16, will take part in the tournament at Willie Thorne's, Leicester from November 9-11.

Stephen Maguire won the first title of the series and Ken Doherty captured the second, which was played under a six reds format.

Further details here. (http://www.worldsnooker.com/Pro_challenge03_news-83400.htm?tid=160)https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29605452-6700614092178010188?l=snookerscene.blogspot.com


More... (http://snookerscene.blogspot.com/2009/10/pro-challenge-entries-up.html)

[Terry Davidson]

A question for everyone.

Does anyone else think it would be nice to allow amateurs to play in preliminary rounds of these pro-challenge tournaments and the ones who make their way through get put into the first round proper to make an even 64 or 128 (whatever the number is).

I understand these do not have ranking points associated with them (I think that's right?) and it would sure help out the amateur game in Britain at least.

After all, if an amateur makes it through a few rounds think what an example this would be to all the wanna-be pros out there struggling in PIOS or whatever. My own feelings are there's just not enough opportunity for a player to turn professional, much the same as it was in the 80's until they opened it up and the likes of Steve James, David Roe, Martin Clarke, Dave Harold and a lot of other good amateurs got into the top 32.

Terry