Pink Ribbon

Pretty In Pink

www.worldsnooker.com

Top snooker stars were in Gloucester on Thursday for the official opening of the South West Snooker Academy.

The new facility was opened on the first day of the Pink Ribbon Pro Am tournament, which will raise funds for breast cancer research.

The man behind the project is Paul Mount, whose sister died of breast cancer at the age of 39. "It is a horrific disease, one we should all work together to try and eliminate," he said. "I have been so delighted by so many of the world's leading snooker players giving their time and efforts to this cause. They have agreed to wear pink waistcoats to remind everyone of the cancer research colour."

Pictured cutting the pink ribbon to mark the opening of the Academy are (left to right): Reanne Evans, Stephen Lee, Gerard Greene, Alfie Burden, Jimmy White, Paul Mount, Barry Hawkins, Mark Davis and Dominic Dale.

The £1.8 million Academy, in Quedgeley on the outskirts of Gloucester, covers 20,000 square feet and includes three playing arenas, a practice room, players lounge and media centre.

Snooker legend White told worldsnooker.com: "I'm going to play here three or four times a week. It's exactly 147 miles from my house, which is weird! There will be around 15 top players based here, and players from abroad can come and play. The facilities are unbelievably good."

Looking ahead to the new season, the Whirlwind added: "I've been playing on the Legends tour and the other night in Redhill I had a 147 against John Parrott, which was great in front of 1200 people. Then in the next frame I nearly had another one but missed the last pink.

"I'll be playing in all the Players Tour Championship events and I'm really looking forward to the season starting. With Barry Hearn in charge, the game has a chance to grow."