China’s Xiao Guodong appreciates World Snooker Q School: 2011-12 PTC Grand Finals
China’s Xiao Guodong believes that the World Snooker Qualifying School (Q School) is a great opportunity for the young potters especially the Asian players who do not get much exposure out in the professional circuits. The Chinese potters said that the upcoming
2012 World Snooker Q School is a unique chance for the youngsters to show their talent to the world.
The Chinese had a tremendous run in the 2011-12 Betfair Players Tour Championship (PTC) Grand Finals at the Bailey Allen Hall arena in Galway, Ireland. The young Guodong stunned the Irish snooker fans with his impressive snooker genius as he reached the
quarter-final stage of the tournament beating the Welshman, Dominic Dale and Judd Trump of England.
The 23-year-old Guodong became a professional potter in 2007 and is currently placed on World Number 46 rank. The PTC Finals quarter-finalist now encourages young potters to participate in the 2012 World Snooker Q School so that they can earn a two-year
pro tour card to participate in the professional circuit and show their talent to the world.
Speaking to World Snooker, Guodong said, “Q School is a very good system. 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.”
The World Number 46 added, “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.”
The young Guodong will be heading to Sheffield in April to take part in the qualifying session of the 2012 World Snooker Championship at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield. He is placed in the fifth group of the qualifiers where he will meet England’s
Andrew Pagett or India’s Aditya Mehta.
Guodong’s performance in the PTC Finals has brought him into some of the most surprising potters who can change the face of the game in an instant.
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