Who are the Top Snooker Players from the North East of England
Snooker is a sport where players require a combination of skill, strategy, and precision to succeed. The North East of England has produced a few snooker players who have made their mark on the game. From World Champions to local heroes, let’s take a look at some of the top snooker players from the North East of England.
John Astley
John Astley from Gateshead started his snooker journey early, inspired by his father who used to play the game. At the age of 12, John entered his first snooker competition and by the age of 19, he was playing as a professional player. John has since won numerous titles, including the European under-19 Championship in 2004, the English Amateur Championship in 2009, and the Riga Open in 2017. He has also competed in several World Championships and is currently ranked in the top 100 by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA).
Gary Wilson
Gary Wilson is another snooker player from the North East of England who has made a name for himself in the game. Born in Wallsend, Gary started playing snooker at the age of eight and has since won several titles, including the European under-19 Championship in 2003 and the Scottish Open in 2019. He has also reached the semi-finals of the World Championship in 2019 and has been ranked in the top 20 by the WPBSA. Gary’s snooker career has seen him travel around the world, but he always remembers his roots and is proud to represent the North East.
Stephen Craigie
Stephen Craigie is a professional snooker player from Newcastle upon Tyne who has been playing snooker since he was a young boy. Stephen started playing snooker at the age of six and won his first title at the age of ten. He turned professional in 2017 and has since played in several major tournaments, including the World Championship, the International Championship and the UK Championship. Stephen is known for his attacking style of play and has won praise from snooker pundits and fans for his natural talent.
Chris Norbury
Chris Norbury is a former professional snooker player from Sunderland who began his career in the 1990s. Chris played in several major tournaments during his career, including the World Championship, but his biggest success came in the form of the 1997 Benson and Hedges Championship. Chris won the tournament at the age of 23, beating the likes of Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O’Sullivan along the way. Although he retired from professional snooker in 2005, Chris remains a well-respected player and is often seen playing in local leagues around Sunderland.
Conclusion
The North East of England has a rich history of producing talented snooker players. From the likes of John Astley and Gary Wilson to Stephen Craigie and Chris Norbury, the region has seen its fair share of snooker success. These players have not only made a name for themselves in the game, but they have also inspired a new generation of snooker players to take up the sport. With their natural talent and dedication to the game, they continue to showcase the best of what the North East has to offer.
