Source: World Snooker Limited Press Release 14/09/06
Their Royal Highnesses the Earl and Countess of Wessex officially opened the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield today.
They were treated to a tour of the state-of-the art facility at the English Institute of Sport -Sheffield by World Snooker chairman Sir Rodney Walker before unveiling a plaque to declare the Academy open.
Their Royal Highnesses also watched several leading junior players honing their skills and met Rotherham-based Shaun Murphy, the 2005 World Champion, as well Ding Junhui, the Chinese prodigy who uses the Academy as his practice base.
A centre of excellence for snooker’s grassroots, the Academy will act as a training facility for new and existing talent. Having already attracted leading international players, it is a focal point for the sport’s global development. It will also stage qualifying events for world ranking tournaments.
Initially funded by Yorkshire Forward, the Academy is managed by Sheffield International Venues and underlines Sheffield’s status as the home of snooker. It will provide a platform for community activity in Yorkshire and nationally.
Murphy said: “I think I was more nervous meeting Prince Edward than I was when I played in the world final! It’s not every day you get to meet members of the Royal family so I was overjoyed to be there.
“The Academy is a fantastic place and it’s a great benefit to the young players who are practising there to have first class facilities and to be able to get experience against top players like Ding Junhui.”
Peter Ebdon, the 2002 world champion, added on BBC Radio Five Live: “The Academy is the best place in the world to practise and I believe it will be a breeding ground for great players from Britain and overseas. The conditions are fabulous.”
For more information visit http://www.worldsnooker.com/ or http://www.snookeracademy.co.uk/
End.
Contact: Ivan Hirschowitz, World Snooker media office, 07766 656133