Express & Star

Snooker aces will get their shot at glory

Snooker players in the Staffs and West Midlands and Aldridge Leagues will get their moment of glory after it was confirmed this season will be completed – however long it takes, writes Nick Elwell.

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The action in the leagues has been brought to a halt due to the coronavirus lockdown, but officials are determined that the current campaigns will be completed once the all clear to resume playing has been

given.

Both leagues took the decision to suspend their action until September, although that could be reviewed should clubs start opening at an earlier date.

“The current seasons will definitely be completed,” said Lee Thomson, who is general secretary of the Staffs & West Mids League of vice-chairman of the Aldridge competition.

“We took a decision to suspend the leagues until September, so that everyone knew where they stood and to end all the uncertainty and all the calls the league committees where having to field.

“Hopefully the situation with the coaranvirus will improve before September and clubs and pubs will be able to open before then.

“If that’s the case, then we will look to complete the season during the summer if possible and start next seasons as usual in September.

“But if that’s not the case, then we will complete this season when we are able to resume. If that happens to be September, then that is what we would do and next season’s start date will be pushed back. We are a long way into the season, a lot of players have reached finals and numerous teams are on the verge of winning their divisions.

“A lot of hard work has been put into the season and we want it brought to a natural conclusion and for players to have their moments of glory.”

Thomson is hoping the enforced shutdown won’t result in any clubs going to the wall.

“This is going to have an impact on clubs,” he said.

“A lot of them depend on the revenue generated by having snooker teams, and in some cases bowls teams as well.

“Hopefully they will manage to battle through and we won’t see any folding.”