Lynn cueman Nathan Jones has just two weeks to prepare for the biggest test of his career as he looks to secure a place on the main snooker tour.
The 33-year-old faces potentially the five most important matches of his life at Q School, in Leicester, at the end of this month.
And Jones will travel to the Leicester Morning Side Arena on a crest of a wave after winning two titles in the last week.
Last weekend saw him retain his Norfolk County title with a 3-0 victory over Jamie Pownall in the final and on Tuesday night he added the Three Counties Classic title to his CV with a 5-2 success, where he made a 105 break in the final.
Jones, who has spent hours on the practice table, said: “To be able to retain my title back to back is unbelievable.
“Everyone expects you to do well after winning it previously and I felt confident that I could do it.
“I didn’t play amazing snooker all day but I dug in and got the results I needed.”
Q School is a series of tournaments open to both amateurs and professional snooker players who do not currently have a tour card.
At the end of it, eight players will earn themselves a tour card. The Order of Merit will also be used to provide top-ups to World Snooker Tour ranking events.
Winning a tour card would be a dream come true for Jones, who has achieved some excellent results in the last few months with one Open Series victory and a runner-up berth.
“After winning one Open Series and event and finishing runner-up in another, beating a handful of professionals along the way was a massive boost for me,” he said.
“I have been practicing hard and have put in a lot of hours in between work. It’s more quality practice than quantity, there is a fine line with it all.
“Q School Is going to be very tough with all the top amateurs and pros that have dropped off the main tour, but with the form I’m in and with the right people around me, I’m feeling good and will give it my all.”
First up for Jones will be a clash against Mike Finn on May 26 and, if successful there, Barry Pinches awaits in the second round.
In the second event the following week, he is due to play Anthony Krysa as he gets the second opportunity to win himself a place among the sport’s elite players.
Jones added: “I have to win five matches to get the wild card on the main tour. I haven’t looked into who I’m playing, it’s about getting my head down and staying focused. They are all there to be beaten.”
The Lynn cueman thanks sponsors Webber Roofing, Kieran Mayes Brickworks, the Maltings Q Club and the Three Counties Academy for their continued support.
