Stratford snooker player Stuart Watson looking to go down in the history books at Q School

JUST like a fine wine, Stuart Watson feels like he’s getting better with age.

And next week, the 45-year-old from Stratford, who turns 46 on 29th May, is looking to go down in the history books as one of the oldest players to receive their first-ever professional tour card.

Watson has three bites at the Q School cherry to do just that, starting with the first qualifying event taking place from 16th to 21st May at the Ponds Forge International Centre in Sheffield.

If all goes wrong then, there are two further tour card qualifiers taking place from 22nd to 27th May, and 28th May to 2nd June. And to secure a tour card, all Watson must do is reach the semi-finals in any one of those competitions.

Speaking to Herald sports editor Craig Gibbons inside the quiet snooker hall at Stratford Sports Club, Watson joked that he wasn’t sure being the oldest player to secure their first professional tour card was something to celebrate.