There has been speculation this week that some of the professional snooker players have been making complaints regarding amateurs competing in the qualifiers for the world championships.

The revelation came about last night when people observed conversations about this subject on social media accounts held by a couple of the professional snooker players. Some of the comments included calling the snooker world championships a “pro-am event” instead of a professional event. This is not the first time players have complained about such things.

World snooker invites a certain amount of non professionals to events like the world championships who have played in PTC events or have represented their countries on national level. In PTC events, the tournaments are open to all players, professional or non professional.

Some professionals in the past, have also complained about having to qualify for certain events, even if those players are in the elite top 16 in the world. This is a far cry from the format a few years ago, where all players in the top 16 were guaranteed a spot at each event. The new format began when it was decided that all players should have the chance to compete and win tournaments with the exception of the Masters. Some of the top snooker players welcomed this move by world snooker, whilst others did not agree with it causing some unease within the sport.

As it stands the top 16 snooker players in the world automatically get a spot in the world championships, but failing to be in the top 16 means three best of 19 matches in the qualifiers to secure a spot at the crucible theatre.

With the world championships set to start on the 16th April, it can be a long tornament for those that manage to qualify as it means up to four weeks in Sheffield playing. The competition in the qualifiers couldn’t be higher and the standard of players is phenomenal so picking places is tough.