Gloucester snooker professional Robert Milkins will continue his preparations for this year’s World Championship as he takes to the baize at the WST Pro Series in Milton Keynes tomorrow.
Milkins has had a solid if not spectacular campaign on the tour, reaching the quarter-finals of the Snooker Shoot Out, the last 16 of the World Grand Prix as well as the last 32 of the UK Championship and Scottish Open.
The experienced cueist says it’s only a matter of time until he has a big run in a tournament: “I’ve played so well this season.
“It’s weird because I’ve had so many tough draws, but I’ve found an inner belief that I’ve never had before. I don’t really fear anyone. I’m so close to doing well in a tournament, but I’ve just been hampered with the draws.”
The Pro Series is a new event for this season to replace tournaments in China that couldn’t take place due to coronavirus restrictions.
Each day sees eight players go head-to-head in a series of best-of-three matches, with the top two after each day progressing.
The first phase is in its final batch of groups ahead of next week’s finale, and Milkins plays in Group D tomorrow.
The highest-ranked player in the group is the resurgent Welshman Mark Williams, who has been playing more regularly of late as he looks to return to the winners’ circle.
Former world finalist Nigel Bond and ranking event semi-finalist Robbie Williams are also in the group, along with amateurs Oliver Brown and Florian Nüßle.
The winner of the tournament will pocket £34,000, so there’s plenty to play for despite the short format.
Full schedule here: https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Sessions/Tournament/14179/wst-pro-series-2021-phase-one-groups-9-16
It’s Milkins’ last opportunity to gain match practice ahead of the annual pilgrimage to Sheffield for the World Championship.
‘The Milkman’ will enter in the qualifying stage at the English Institute of Sport, with an announcement coming today that the format for the first three rounds will remain at the best of 11 frames.
