News

The draw and formats for all three Q School tournaments are now available by clicking on the relevant links.

Event One

Event Two

Event Three

Snooker legend Tony Knowles has entered Q School – now it’s time for you to do the same!

The final deadline for entering is tomorrow (Friday March 30) at 5pm. So if you haven’t done so yet, make sure you get your entry in straight away via the online entry system and don’t miss out on chasing your snooker dream.

Former World No 2 Knowles said: “The circuit is going in the right direction and the game is going world-wide. This is a great opportunity, especially with the two year tour card on offer.

“I know there are a lot of very good young players now but maybe I can still teach them a few tricks. Steve Davis and Jimmy White are still going strong on the main tour so I decided to give it a go.”

Just to re-cap on the key reasons for playing in Q School:

 - It's a TWO YEAR TOUR CARD to all 12 players who qualify from Q School.

 - Prize money is increasing rapidly and is set to go over £7 million next season.

 - It will be played under professional conditions at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield - the perfect preparation for the main tour.

 - There will be three separate events, so that's three bites of the cherry. And you don't need to win an event, just get to the semi-finals and you've got the two-year tour card!

 - The new Q School ranking list sees players earning one point for every frame won. During the main tour season, should any of the tournament draws fall short then the field will be topped up with the highest ranked players from the Q-School list.

DON'T FORGET, THE FINAL DEADLINE IS MARCH 30, GET YOUR ENTRY IN NOW!

For full terms and conditions and more details about Q School go to www.worldsnookerqschool.com  

Following feedback we have decided to extend the Q School deadline for another week, until 5pm on Friday March 30.

CLICK HERE FOR THE ONLINE ENTRY SYSTEM (if you don't have log-in details, proceed to log-in and click 'Click here to Register').

All amateur players who want to chase their dream and earn the chance to play against the top pros for millions of pounds in prize money should get their entries in immediately.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: "All Q School entries must be in by next Friday at 5pm. So if you have ever dreamed of being a professional snooker player and competing on the professional circuit, get your entry in NOW!

"Take a look at the calendar for next season and you'll see that snooker is becoming a global sport in a way never witnessed before. We've got tournaments happening all around the world, and there are more in the pipeline. Prize money is growing dramatically and is set to go over £7 million next season. The best players are earning fortunes for playing the game that they love. If you've got the talent and the dedication then you could be one of them.

"And this time it's a TWO-YEAR tour card for all 12 players who qualify through Q School. That takes a lot of pressure off players in their first year and gives them ample opportunity to climb the rankings.

"Another great thing about Q School is that you don't have to play for a whole year...all you need to be ready for is three weeks in Sheffield in May. You'll be playing under professional conditions, and if you play well for just one of those weeks you could find yourself on the pro tour.

"It's open to everyone, giving a fantastic opportunity to all players. Now it's up to you to take that opportunity."

Just to re-cap on the key reasons for playing in Q School:

- It's a TWO YEAR TOUR CARD to all 12 players who qualify from Q School. The event starts on May 13.

- Prize money is increasing rapidly and is set to go over £7 million next season.

- It will be played under professional conditions at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield - the perfect preparation for the main tour.

- There will be three separate events, so that's three bites of the cherry. And you don't need to win an event, just get to the semi-finals and you've got the two-year tour card!

- The new Q School ranking list sees players earning one point for every frame won. During the main tour season, should any of the tournament draws fall short then the field will be topped up with the highest ranked players from the Q-School list.

Check out our new Q School page on Facebook where you can watch videos and share comments about the event. Just go to www.facebook.com/worldsnookerQschool

DON'T FORGET, THE FINAL DEADLINE IS MARCH 30, GET YOUR ENTRY IN NOW!

Visit the Apply Now page to sign up!

The deadline for entering Q School, World Snooker's qualifying school for the professional tour, falls today (Friday) at 5pm.

All amateur players who want to chase their dream and earn the chance to play against the top pros for millions of pounds in prize money should get their entries in immediately.

World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: "All Q School entries must be in by this Friday at 5pm. So if you have ever dreamed of being a professional snooker player and competing on the professional circuit, get your entry in NOW!

"Take a look at the calendar for next season and you'll see that snooker is becoming a global sport in a way never witnessed before. We've got tournaments happening all around the world, and there are more in the pipeline. Prize money is growing dramatically and is set to go over £7 million next season. The best players are earning fortunes for playing the game that they love. If you've got the talent and the dedication then you could be one of them.

"And this time it's a TWO-YEAR tour card for all 12 players who qualify through Q School. That takes a lot of pressure off players in their first year and gives them ample opportunity to climb the rankings.

"Another great thing about Q School is that you don't have to play for a whole year...all you need to be ready for is three weeks in Sheffield in May. You'll be playing under professional conditions, and if you play well for just one of those weeks you could find yourself on the pro tour.

"It's open to everyone, giving a fantastic opportunity to all players. Now it's up to you to take that opportunity."

If YOU want the chance to play against the world's best players for millions of pounds on the World Snooker Tour for the next two seasons, get your entry in now!

The deadline is at 5pm on March 23rd, that's this Friday!

Just to re-cap on the key reasons for playing in Q School:

- It's a TWO YEAR TOUR CARD to all 12 players who qualify from Q School.

- Prize money is increasing rapidly and is set to go over £7 million next season. 

- It will be played under professional conditions at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield - the perfect preparation for the main tour.

- There will be three separate events, so that's three bites of the cherry. And you don't need to win an event, just get to the semi-finals and you've got the two-year tour card!

- The new Q School ranking list sees players earning one point for every frame won. During the main tour season, should any of the tournament draws fall short then the field will be topped up with the highest ranked players from the Q-School list.

Check out our new Q School page on Facebook where you can watch videos and share comments about the event. Just go to www.facebook.com/worldsnookerQschool

DON'T FORGET, THE FINAL DEADLINE IS MARCH 23, GET YOUR ENTRY IN NOW!

For full terms and conditions and more details about Q School go to www.worldsnookerqschool.com

DON'T FORGET, THE DEADLINE IS COMING, GET YOUR ENTRY IN NOW

India's Dr Khizar Raoof has entered Q School for the second consecutive year as he pursues his snooker dream.

The 26-year-old from Hyderabad is set to play in the event in Sheffield in May and believes that one day he will take on idols like Stephen Hendry (pictured with Dr Raoof) on the professional tour.

Q School, which starts on May 13, has 12 TWO YEAR TOUR CARDS up for grabs, with the four semi-finalists in each of four tournaments earning a place on the pro circuit.

"I played in Q School last year as well as PTC1 and they were the two most memorable tournaments in my career as a snooker player," said Dr Raoof. "I not only got to meet many top pros, but also had a chance to practise with them and take tips during my stay in the UK.

"I feel I under-performed last year, but in 2011 when I signed up for Q School I did not expect much as it was my first big international event. It was a test and it helped me identify the areas where I need to improve and come prepared for 2012.

"During the World Championship I did an interview with the BBC about Q School and I became a celebrity overnight! People all over Sheffield recognised me - I would go to the shopping mall and have group of Asian lads come over and wish me luck for the event. My parents in India got calls from friends and family in the UK congratulating them and letting us know that they were all with me.

"Playing for India with the Indian flag on my waistcoat had also been a childhood dream which was fulfilled last year.

"Since then I have been practising snooker full time, and travelling for tournaments all over India for the past few months. I have done reasonably well, identified my grey areas and worked on them to be ready for the big one in May.

"I do feel that I am much better than last year. My safety and break building have improved a lot. I was based at the Star Snooker Academy for eight weeks in 2011 so that gave me a chance to practise with many top amateurs and professionals all under one roof. I have also given a lot of importance to mental training since last year in my training regime.

"I train until the 8th of April in India then head to Sheffield and will be stationed at the Star Academy until the end of Q school. My idea of coming early is to get good solid practice with the top pros stationed at the Academy and those visiting it during the World Championship. I'm sure that will sharpen me up and get me ready for Q School.

"I rate my chances at Q School as good. I'm playing better, feeling better, enjoying my snooker, and clearing up every other time on the table. There's no reason why I should not do well. One thing is for sure: this time I'm not going down without a fight. Q SCHOOL 2012 - NOW OR NEVER!!"

Dr Raoof has put his medical career on hold while he follows his snooker goal. "If I'm playing snooker then I might as well give it everything," he said. "I am a doctor and can always go back to that if I ever want to."

For now he is focussed on his green baize ambition, and he can only imagine how it would feel to win one of the 12 tour places. "I would be on top of the world," he said. "I would probably feel it was a dream and would take time to come to terms with it. But if I do I will really be very happy as I know that I have worked very hard for it. I am flat footed and it's difficult for me to play 8 to 10 hours a day, there used to be days when I could not walk back to my car after practice because of the excruciating pain. But the next day I was up and back on the table, every single day. I am sure all that hard work will not go waste and I will deliver the goods.

"I would like to thank my dad Dr MA Raoof and my mum Dr Maleeha Raoof for their never-ending support both emotionally and financially, allowing me to be able to pursue my dream. And my coach Sanjay Sawant for literally threatening me to sign up for Q school and making me believe in my potential to be a top pro! And my wife Dr Syeda Mahjabeen for standing by me during my rough times."

Don't forget you've got just three days to enter Q School 2012. So if you want the chance to play against the world's best players for millions of pounds on the World Snooker Tour for the next two seasons, get your entry in now!

The deadline is at 5pm on March 23rd, that's this Friday!

China's Xiao Guodong, fresh from his heroics in the Betfair Players Tour Championship Grand Finals, is encouraging all amateur players to give Q School a try.

Xiao reached the quarter-finals in Galway, knocking out Judd Trump and Dominic Dale despite playing with a broken hand. He is making his way up the rankings and believes that any player with potential should give themselves a chance to play on the main tour.

"Q School is a very good system," he said. "In the past we had to spend one year trying to qualify for the tour, now it only takes three weeks. It makes a big difference for the Asian players because in the past we had to come to the UK for a long time and it was expensive.

"In China there are so many young people playing snooker, and a lot of them want to try to turn professional. Q School is a great way for them to try. I think all players should give themselves a chance."

Don't forget you've got just five days to enter Q School 2012. So if you want the chance to play against the world's best players for millions of pounds on the World Snooker Tour for the next two seasons, get your entry in now!

The deadline is at 5pm on March 23rd, that's this Friday!

Just to re-cap on the key reasons for playing in Q School:

- It's a TWO YEAR TOUR CARD to all 12 players who qualify from Q School.

- Prize money is increasing rapidly and is set to go over £7 million next season.

- It will be played under professional conditions at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield - the perfect preparation for the main tour.

- There will be three separate events, so that's three bites of the cherry. And you don't need to win an event, just get to the semi-finals and you've got the two-year tour card!

- The new Q School ranking list sees players earning one point for every frame won. During the main tour season, should any of the tournament draws fall short then the field will be topped up with the highest ranked players from the Q-School list.

Check out our new Q School page on Facebook where you can watch videos and share comments about the event. Just go to www.facebook.com/worldsnookerQschool

DON'T FORGET, THE FINAL DEADLINE IS MARCH 23, GET YOUR ENTRY IN NOW!

NINE DAYS UNTIL THE Q SCHOOL DEADLINE

Up-and-coming star Jack Lisowski believes that all aspiring snooker players should have a go at Q School this year.

Lisowski joined the tour last season and shot into the top 50 of the world rankings during a superb debut year. He believes that others can do the same and that Q School is the place to start.

"Q School is a brilliant way of qualifying for the tour, especially this year with two-year tour cards up for grabs," said 20-year-old Lisowski, who is currently playing in the Betfair Players Tour Championship in Ireland. "If you've got any aspiration of becoming a snooker player then you've got to go for it.

"I qualified for the tour via the old Pontin's tour and it took a whole year. It's much better to do it all in three weeks, especially if you are coming from overseas. You know what you've got to do and it's just a question of getting your game in perfect shape for those three weeks."

Don't forget you've got just nine days to enter Q School 2012. So if you want the chance to play against the world's best players for millions of pounds on the World Snooker Tour for the next two seasons, get your entry in now!

The deadline is at 5pm on March 23rd, that's a week on Friday!

Just to re-cap on the key reasons for playing in Q School:

- It's a TWO YEAR TOUR CARD to all 12 players who qualify from Q School.

- Prize money is increasing rapidly and is set to go over £7 million next season.

- It will be played under professional conditions at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield - the perfect preparation for the main tour.

- There will be three separate events, so that's three bites of the cherry. And you don't need to win an event, just get to the semi-finals and you've got the two-year tour card!

- The new Q School ranking list sees players earning one point for every frame won. During the main tour season, should any of the tournament draws fall short then the field will be topped up with the highest ranked players from the Q-School list.

Check out our new Q School page on Facebook where you can watch videos and share comments about the event. Just go to our facebook page

DON'T FORGET, THE FINAL DEADLINE IS MARCH 23, GET YOUR ENTRY IN NOW!

For full terms and conditions and more details about Q School go to the Guide to Q School page

DON'T FORGET, THE DEADLINE IS COMING, GET YOUR ENTRY IN NOW!

Adam Duffy says his first year on the World Snooker Tour has been the best of his life, and urges ambitious players to give Q School a try.

Sheffield's 22-year-old Duffy came through Q School last year to earn a place on the pro circuit, and has enjoyed an impressive debut year, climbing to 70th in the world.

His snooker career took off thanks to some brilliant performances in the last of three Q School events last May at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield.

"In the first event I lost 4-0 in the first round and my confidence was rock bottom," he recalls. "In the second event I got to the penultimate round and lost 4-0 again. Then suddenly everything clicked in the final event and I just flew.

"I was 2-0 down to David Gray in the final round but came back to beat him, and the feeling of knowing I had earned a place on the tour was just beyond belief.

"The playing conditions at Q School are exactly the same as you find on the pro circuit and it's a great experience in terms of preparing you for the main tour.

"I've been delighted with how I have done in my first season, it couldn't have gone much better. If I do well in the World Championship qualifiers I could sneak into the top 64. I had some good results in the PTC events so I knew I would keep my place for next season, and since then I've been able to play without fear.

"It will be even better for those coming through Q School next time because they are guaranteed a place for two years, which takes all the pressure off them in the first year.

"It has definitely been the best year of my life. Probably the highlight was playing Ronnie O'Sullivan live on Eurosport at the Paul Hunter Classic in Germany. I lost but he made a 147 and the atmosphere was fantastic.

"My advice to anyone playing in Q School this year would be to stay focussed and don't let your head go down if you lose in the first event. You only have to play well for a week on you're on the tour. It's a massive opportunity."

Q School is an opportunity to qualify for the professional circuit, with the 12 players who come through to be given a two-year tour card.

It is open to everyone (players are advised to read the terms and conditions which are available on the APPLY NOW page and the online entry system).

It will be played at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield, starting on May 13, 2012, and there will be three separate events, with the semi-finalists from each to be given a two-year Tour Card.

Entry into all three events is just £1,000, with those who qualify earning the chance to compete for millions of pounds in prize money on the main circuit.

A new Q School ranking list will also be introduced, with players earning one point for every frame won. During the main tour season, should any of the tournament draws fall below a total entry of 96 (or 128 in 2013/14) then the field will be topped up to 96 or 128 with the highest ranked players from the Q-School list.

The entry deadline is 5pm on March 23, that's just over two weeks away. For more details see Guide to Q School or follow us on Facebook 

DON'T FORGET, THE DEADLINE IS COMING, GET YOUR ENTRY IN NOW!

Fantastic special offer for the first one hundred players to sign up to Q School:

+ TWO complimentary tickets to a session (of World Snooker's choice) during the first week of the World Championship

+  On the same day, an opportunity to come along to the World Snooker Academy and practise on the genuine Star match tables. Perfect preparation for your Q School experience

This offer is only available until Sunday March 11, so sign up now!

Don't forget to take advantage of our special offer for the first one hundred players to sign up to Q School:

+  TWO complimentary tickets to a session (of World Snooker’s choice) during the first week of the World Championship

+  On the same day, an opportunity to come along to the World Snooker Academy and practise on the genuine Star match tables. Perfect preparation for your Q School experience 

The offer is only open until Sunday March 11^th, that’s just five days away. So make sure you get your entry in now and don’t miss out!

And remember it’s a TWO YEAR TOUR CARD to all 12 players who qualify from Q School. Prize money is increasing rapidly and is set to go over £7 million next season.

Q School is open to everyone (players are advised to read the terms and conditions which are available through the APPLY NOW page and the online entry system).

It will be played at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield, starting on May 13, 2012, and there will be three separate events, with the semi-finalists from each to be given a Tour Card.

Entry into all three events is just £1,000, with those who qualify earning the chance to compete for millions of pounds in prize money on the main circuit.

A new Q School ranking list will also be introduced, with players earning one point for every frame won. During the main tour season, should any of the tournament draws fall below a total entry of 96 (or 128 in 2013/14) then the field will be topped up to 96 or 128 with the highest ranked players from the Q-School list.

Also check out our new Q School page on Facebook where you can watch videos and share comments about the event. Just go to www.facebook.com/worldsnookerQschool 

DON’T FORGET, THE FINAL DEADLINE IS MARCH 23, THAT’S JUST OVER TWO WEEKS AWAY. GET YOUR ENTRY IN NOW!

Greg Davis, son of legend Steve, has entered Q School this year and hopes to carve out a career in snooker.

In May, the 20-year-old will compete in Q School in Sheffield, just a few miles away from the Crucible Theatre where his dad held aloft the World Championship trophy six times during the 1980s.

Greg has inherited the snooker gift - his top break in a match is 114 - and now hopes to put that to good use.

"I recently left university and I was speaking to my dad about my future, and we agreed I should give snooker a real go," said Greg. "I've treated it like a hobby in the past but now I will take it more seriously.

"I've been practising really hard and playing in some pro-am events. At the moment it's really about gaining experience. I'll be giving it everything at Q School but I'm not expecting miracles, I just want to learn as much as I can. Next season I'm going to play in all of the PTC events as I played in a few of them this season and loved it.

"Probably my best result was beating Martin O'Donnell 4-3 as I made a good clearance in the last frame under pressure."

Greg lives in Ongar in Essex and has some high quality practice partners close by at the Grove Academy in Romford. "I play with Jack Lisowski a lot and I've had a few games with Judd Trump," he added. "I'm sure they will really help me improve."

And he has also picked up tips from his dad, who is still going strong on the pro circuit at the age of 54. "He gives me advice and I go to watch him play when he does well in a tournament," added Greg.

Q School is an opportunity to qualify for the professional circuit, with the 12 players who come through to be given a two-year tour card.

It is open to everyone (players are advised to read the terms and conditions which are available through http://www.worldsnookerqschool.com/apply-now and the online entry system).

It will be played at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield, starting on May 13, 2012, and there will be three separate events, with the semi-finalists from each to be given a two-year Tour Card.

Entry into all three events is just £1,000, with those who qualify earning the chance to compete for millions of pounds in prize money on the main circuit.

A new Q School ranking list will also be introduced, with players earning one point for every frame won. During the main tour season, should any of the tournament draws fall below a total entry of 96 (or 128 in 2013/14) then the field will be topped up to 96 or 128 with the highest ranked players from the Q-School list.

The entry deadline is 5pm on March 23, that's just over two weeks away. For regular updates see www.facebook.com/worldsnookerQschool

The deadline for entering 2012 Q School is drawing close, so now's the time to get your name down and give yourself the chance to follow your snooker dream.

The deadline falls at 5pm on 23 March 2012, that's less than three weeks away. For the online entry system go to the APPLY NOW page (if you don't have log-in details, proceed to log-in and click 'Click here to Register').

WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson said: "We're urging all budding players to make sure they don't miss out on Q School this year and get their entries in as soon as possible.

"This time we are offering a TWO YEAR TOUR CARD to all 12 players who qualify from Q School. That's so important for professional players because it gives them time to adjust to the main tour and means they are under less pressure in their first year.

"Prize money is increasing rapidly and is set to go over £7 million next season. To be able to play snooker as a career with the chance to take on the best players and compete for huge sums of money is the dream for any player, and Q School gives you the chance to do that.

"Players like Adam Duffy and Li Yan have shown this season that, if you have the right level of determination, you can climb quickly up the rankings. The great thing about Q School is that it only last three weeks, as opposed to the previous systems for qualifying for the tour which could last for a whole season. This is a chance to change your life in a very short space of time. So get your entry in today!"

Q School is open to everyone (players are advised to read the terms and conditions which are available through the online entry system) .

All tournaments will be played at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield, starting on May 13, 2012, and there will be three separate events, with the semi-finalists from each to be given a Tour Card.
Entry into all three events is just £1,000, with those who qualify earning the chance to compete for millions of pounds in prize money on the main circuit.

A new Q School ranking list will also be introduced, with players earning one point for every frame won. During the main tour season, should any of the tournament draws fall below a total entry of 96 (or 128 in 2013/14) then the field will be topped up to 96 or 128 with the highest ranked players from the Q-School list.

Several ranking events this season, including the World Championship, have fallen short on entries and from next season they will be topped up using the Q School ranking list. The Order of Merit list has already been set up on the HOME PAGE so once you have entered you will see your name on the list!

Also check out our new Q School page on Facebook where you can watch videos and share comments about the event. Just go to www.facebook.com/worldsnookerQschool

DON'T FORGET, THE DEADLINE IS COMING, GET YOUR ENTRY IN NOW!

Martin O'Donnell and John Sutton came through the SnookerBacker Classic event last week to earn their place at 2012 Q School.

The event featured a series of regional qualifiers, followed by the final event at the South West Snooker Academy in Gloucester.

London's 25-year-old O'Donnell beat Sydney Wilson in the quarter-finals and Jonny Williams in the semis, while Ireland's 31-year-old Sutton saw off former Scottish Open champion David Gray and Zak Surety.

In reaching the final, both men had guaranteed a spot at Q School, and it was O'Donnell who went on to take the title with a 4-0 victory.

O'Donnell, whose prize also included entry into four Players Tour Championship events next season, said: "I was delighted to win and it was a great event, very well run by SnookerBacker.

"Now comes the hard part as my goal now is to get through Q School. Last year I got to the final round of the last event and lost to Kurt Maflin, I didn't do much wrong and he played brilliantly on the day. I've got more experience now having played in a lot of PTC events this season and reached the semi-finals of the European Amateur. Hopefully I'm a better player now and I can hit form at the right time for Q School.

"I'm really looking forward to it because the playing conditions at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield are second to none. The tables are perfect, you have referees and you feel like a proper player. That's where you find out if you are good enough.

"I practise a lot with Martin Gould and it's inspiring to see how quickly he has climbed the rankings in the past few years. I'm now working hard to try to get through Q School and hopefully I can then hit the tour running."

Sutton, who lives in Clogherhead and works as a Sales Executive for Kraft Foods, is also hungry for success in Q School. He said: "I played really well in the SnookerBacker event and it was great to get the job done by reaching the final.

"Q School is a fantastic opportunity and it will be the first time I have played in it. I'll be doing a lot of practice before then and hopefully I will be match sharp. My friend David Morris came through it last year and he has progressed well. Plus it's a two -year exemption this time which is even better."

Visit the Q School Facebook page: www.facebook.com/worldsnookerQschool

You've got just a few weeks to enter Q School...it's time to chase your dream.

FOR THE ONLINE ENTRY SYSTEM go to the APPLY NOW tab at the bottom of this page (If you don't have log-in details, proceed to log-in and click 'Click here to Register')

The closing date for entries is 5pm on 23 March 2012 and players are advised to read the terms and conditions which are available through the Apply Now tab on this site.

Former World and UK Champion Shaun Murphy said: "I wish it had been like this when I started out. The young players now have so many opportunities with PTC events and Q School, and there is a real buzz about the game now.

"We're more in line with tennis and golf now in terms of qualifying for the tour. Our Q School will be played at a great venue with tournament-standard tables. Plus those who get through will have a two-year tour card which is brilliant. The standard is so high all the way through the amateur ranks, but there can only be so many players on the tour.

"My advice to anyone entering Q School would be to practise as hard as you can - when you think you've done enough, do some more. Then when you get to the event, play with a smile on your face and enjoy it. The ones who are most relaxed will be the ones who get through."

Q School will take place in May, with a TWO YEAR TOUR CARD available for all players who qualify.

Q School is open to everyone (subject to terms and conditions) and there will be 12 places available on the World Snooker Tour. All players who come through Q School will be given a TWO YEAR TOUR CARD which guarantees their place on the pro circuit for a minimum of 2012/13 and 2013/14.

It will be played at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield, starting on May 13, 2012, and there will be three separate events, with the semi-finalists from each to be given a Tour Card.

Entry into all three events is just £1,000, with those who qualify earning the chance to compete for millions of pounds in prize money on the main circuit, and take on the world's best players. Prize money for the tour has gone up from £3.5million to over £6million within the past two years and is expected to go past £8million in the next year.

A new Q School ranking list will also be introduced, with players earning one point for every frame won. During the main tour season, should any of the tournament draws fall below a total entry of 96 (or 128 in 2013/14) then the field will be topped up to 96 or 128 with the highest ranked players from the Q-School list.

WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson said: "Q School was staged for the first time last year and we consider it the best and fairest way to give all players the chance to qualify for the tour. Rookies such as Sheffield's Adam Duffy and China's Li Yan came through the system, and both have since climbed quickly up the world rankings, so that shows what players can do if they have the talent and the dedication.

"Snooker is rapidly becoming a global sport, with more tournaments, more prize money and more players. We are increasing the tour from 96 to 128 players in season 2013-14, so the opportunities to qualify for the main tour have increased dramatically. With the two-year exemption and increase in numbers on the tour, Q School could not give players a better chance to get on to the circuit and climb the rankings."

Williamhill.com UK Champion Judd Trump and BGC Masters champion Neil Robertson are World Snooker's ambassadors for Q School this year, and both are encouraging amateur players to give it a go.

"It's a chance to compete with the best and earn your place," said Trump. "You've got to enter every tournament you can, put yourself under pressure and play against better players, because that's the way to learn and improve. My friend Adam Duffy qualified through Q School last year and now he's climbing up the rankings."

Robertson added: "Q School is such a good way to qualify for the tour, compared to what I went through having to fly back and forth from Australia. For players from overseas it's much better to come to the UK for three weeks and see if you are good enough. It's a good opportunity and anyone who thinks they have a chance should give it a crack.

"My Australian friend Vinnie Calabrese is going to enter and he's coming to stay with me first. We'll both be getting up early and going to practise because my son wakes up at 7.30am!"

World Snooker are once again be staging Q School in May, with a TWO YEAR TOUR CARD available for all players who qualify.

Q School is open to everyone (subject to terms and conditions) and there will be 12 places available on the World Snooker Tour. All players who come through Q School will be given a TWO YEAR TOUR CARD which guarantees their place on the pro circuit for a minimum of 2012/13 and 2013/14.

It will be played at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield, starting on May 13, 2012, and there will be three separate events, with the semi-finalists from each to be given a Tour Card.

Entry into all three events is just £1,000, with those who qualify earning the chance to compete for millions of pounds in prize money on the main circuit, and take on the world's best players. Prize money for the tour has gone up from £3.5million to over £6million within the past two years and is expected to go past £8million in the next year.

A new Q School ranking list will also be introduced, with players earning one point for every frame won. During the main tour season, should any of the tournament draws fall below a total entry of 96 (or 128 in 2013/14) then the field will be topped up to 96 or 128 with the highest ranked players from the Q-School list.

WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson said: "Q School was staged for the first time last year and we consider it the best and fairest way to give all players the chance to qualify for the tour. Rookies such as Sheffield's Adam Duffy and China's Li Yan came through the system, and both have since climbed quickly up the world rankings, so that shows what players can do if they have the talent and the dedication.

"Snooker is rapidly becoming a global sport, with more tournaments, more prize money and more players. We are increasing the tour from 96 to 128 players in season 2013-14, so the opportunities to qualify for the main tour have increased dramatically. With the two-year exemption and increase in numbers on the tour, Q School could not give players a better chance to get on to the circuit and climb the rankings.

"For anyone out there who believes they can be part of it and wants to give it their best shot - that's what Q School is all about. It's opportunity for all - which is what all sports should be about."

ONLINE ENTRY IS AVAILABLE HERE

The closing date for entries is March 23, 2012. All players are strongly advised to get their entry in as soon as possible to guarantee their place in Q School.