Rocket set to hit Gloucester


Ronnie ‘Rocket’ O’Sullivan has confirmed his participation in the MIUS Cup (EPTC Event 4) at the South West Snooker Academy in Gloucester.

The event takes place 29-31 October.

O’Sullivan has previously pledged his support for the brand new purpose-built arena saying “Anything that improves the image and future of the game has to be a major positive.

“I’m looking forward to coming down to the South West Snooker Academy to play in events and entertain the fans in exhibitions.”

The Rocket is due to play his first match against Thailand teenager Noppon Saenghkham at 3pm on Friday 21 October.

Should he win he will play again at 7pm on Friday. And there could be a Clash of the Titans if Mark Selby wins his first match against Kyren Wilson, also at 3pm on Friday, a first season professional, managed by On Q Promotions, based at the South West Snooker Academy.

The winner plays again at 9pm to qualify for the final stages on Sunday 31 October at 11am.

Other first round ties in the MIUS sponsored event include an all Welsh clash between PTC6 winner Dominic Dale and Ryan Day. That match will be played at 1pm on Saturday 30 October

‘Captain’ Ali Carter takes on the six times World Ladies Champion Reanne Evans. Match to be played at 10.30am on Friday 29 October.

Crowd favourite Jimmy White plays a Welsh Junior champion, Duane Jones, at 3pm on Friday.

Steve Davis plays another On Q player, the reigning world amateur champion, Alfie Burden at 1pm on Friday.

Local Gloucester favourite Rob Milkins has drawn Marco Fu. They go head to head at 1pm on Saturday. Jack Lisowski, from Churchdown, in his first season on the tour, plays Friday at 1pm against Simon Bedford. Gloucester amateur Michael Wasley, who is based at the Academy plays at 10.30 on Saturday against a Germany amateur Pascal Richard.

Thailand and China clash with James Wattana, the former world no. 3 up against the rising Chinese star Xiao Guodong. Their match is scheduled for 10.30 am on Friday.

Two times World Champion Mark Williams plays Michael Holt, the winner of the Pink Ribbon tournament at the Academy earlier this year. They have a 9am match on Saturday.

Stephen Maguire faces an old favourite, former pin up boy of snooker, Tony Knowles.

World champion Neil Robertson plays Ireland’s David Morris. That is a repeat of their recent clash in the World Open in Glasgow. They play at 9am on Friday.