'Rocket' Goes In Search For Rileys Star
Three-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan and the UK’s leading cue sports operator, Rileys have launched a new initiative that they believe will discover a future star of the green baize.
Ronnie and Rileys will start their search for the next ‘Rocket’ through a series of ‘Future Stars’ competitions at each of Rileys 126 clubs nationwide.
The first round of ‘auditions’ will involve six-reds knock-out style events for under-16s starting 27th March.
Each of the winners, will then go head-to-head at regional venues until eight players remain.
The eight finalists will then head for ‘boot camp’ in Sheffield during the World Championship where they will be coached by some of the game’s top players.
They will then be put through their paces in a series of skills tests, designed by Ronnie himself, to test potting, safety, tactical awareness and even temperament.
Ronnie will then select the eventual winner and the process of turning them into snooker superstar will begin!
In addition to coaching and mentoring by Ronnie, Rileys will provide the winner with a financial package worth £5,000 to support their snooker dreams.
Ronnie said: “Firstly, this youngster will have to love the game. Then, he or she will need pots of talents. And probably most important of all, the desire to go all the way.
“The winner will work on cue skills and strategies with me, and I will do everything I can to help.”
Rileys CEO Maurice Kelly said: “One of the reasons for signing Ronnie O’Sullivan as our Snooker Ambassador was because he impressed us with his determination to put something back into the game.
“Rileys are only too pleased to help make this Search for a new ‘Rocket’ Ronnie a reality.”
Chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association Barry Hearn said: “This is exactly what snooker requires. A top player like Ronnie O’Sullivan getting involved at the grassroots of the game.
“What a fantastic opportunity for the youngster who comes out on top and gets Ronnie as his mentor and trainer.
“The WPBSA is right behind this. I will be watching the players’ progress all the way.”
