• Snooker in the Pink

    Players and guests attended a pre-launch BBQ on the eve of the opening of the new South West Academy in Gloucester

    As part of the celebrations of the opening of the brand new purpose-built South West Academy in Gloucester, Paul Mount invited all the On Q Promotions players, and guests to a BBQ at his house in the leafy Gloucester countryside.

    Just twenty-four hours ago frantic last minute preparations for the opening of the Academy and the Pink Ribbon Pro Am, were still in full swing.

    On Q Promotions managing director Paul Mount was wearing his hard hat and protective yellow jacket, as were several of his players, including Rob Milkins, Michael Wasley and Andrew Norman, as it was all hands on deck to complete the finishing touches ahead of the opening day on Thursday.

    Pete Godwin, World Snooker's table fitter, and his team, were testing the twelve immaculative Star tables and Godwin echoed everyone's sentiments about the fabulous new venue saying "I think this is the best facility anywhere in the world where I've rigged tables."


       
       
       

    Jimmy White was equally enthusiastic commenting "This is what snooker has been waiting for. A great guy like Paul who's put a lot of money and effort into providing a world class facility for the good of the sport.

    "It's an absolutely fabulous venue and I can't wait to play there."

    World Ladies Champion Reanne Evans, took time out from feeding the ducks with daughter Lauren to echo the excitement of her fellow players.

    "It's going to be great to play there. And to have super tables and great players to practice with every day."

    The players also enjoyed the rare chance to socialise together and enjoy the food and surroundings.

    And it wasn't long before they found their way to a table tennis table in the garage and set up a fierce competition. Mark Davis kept his eye on the ball as our photo shows.



     
     

    For Paul Mount it was at last a chance to take off the hard hat and put on his favourite pair of shorts and enjoy a little 'chill time', after the relentless weeks of sixteen hour days to get the Academy ready for opening.

    "Just getting back here for an hour or so and having a laugh with the players is great. I can feel the stress levels dropping already" agreed Paul.

    The Official opening will take place at the South West Academy on Thursday when the inaugural Pink Ribbon Pro Am gets underway.

    As the beautiful sunny day drew to a close the players commandered Paul's lounge and television and settled down to watch the World Cup. A loud shout of "Penalty" could be heard down the lane as we were leaving!

    Global Snooker will be bringing you all the latest results, news and photographs over the coming days as the players dust off the cobwebs after their brief summer break and get down to some serious competition.