West Norfolk cueman on tour as he chases professional dream

Trips as far afield as Sweden, Bulgaria and Germany await Nathan Jones as he looks to turn his dream of becoming a professional snooker player into reality.

The Lynn cueman, 33, has seven dates on his Q School calendar as bids to be the green baize star of West Norfolk.

Jones’ first date is at South Shields this weekend and he has not given up hope of forcing his way into the professional ranks.

“I’m really looking forward to the new season and have been putting a lot of practice in on the table,” he said.

“After having a break after Q School last season, I feel very refreshed and raring to go.

“The aim this season remains to get a place on the pro tour and I’m feeling up for the task ahead. I’m going to take it match-by-match and, most importantly, the aim is to enjoy it.”

Jones believes there is still room for improvement in elements of his game after just failing to make the grade last term.

“I was happy with my progress last season but there is still room for improvement,” he said.

“It’s not all about potting, it’s the tactical side of my game where I think I can improve.”

The current Norfolk champion, who took a four-year sabbatical from the sport until last summer, won an open series event last season as well as the Three Counties Championship.

He suffered a 4-2 defeat against Niels Vincent at the second Q School event in June after losing a titanic battle 4-3 to former world top-32 player Barry Pinches in the first round of games seven days earlier.

But once again, the potting machine displayed his potential on the table at the Leicester Morning Side Arena with 4-3 and 4-2 victories over Mike Finn and Anthony Kysra respectively in the opening round of each series.

Now, after a recharge of the batteries, he is ready to go again.

The second and third events of the 2023/24 Q Tour series see journeys across the water to Sweden and Germany before a trip to Sofia, in Bulgaria, early in 2024.

“I’m looking forward to playing abroad,” he admitted.

“It has been a while since Poland where I lost out to Barry Pinches and it is going to be good fun.

“It’s not a holiday, I’m there to try and get the job and the results I need.

“I know it’s going to be a long season, but I’m lucky enough to have a lot of support from my family and friends which will help spur me on.”

Jones thanks the continued support of sponsors Webber Roofing, Kieran Mayes Brickwork, Richard Thorpe and Steve Kirk and the Maltings Q Club.