Peter Lines eases through first round of qualifying for World Snooker Championships

The 50-year-old – a former world seniors champion – lost the opening frame to Connor Benzey before reeling off the next six frames to secure a 6-1 win at Sheffield’s English Institute of Sport.

Lines needs to win a further three qualifiers to reach the Crucible, where the postponed World Championship starts next Friday.

But there were defeats in Sheffield for Pickering’s Paul Davison, losing 6-2 to Mitchell Mann, York’s Ashley Hugill (6-4 to Wu Yize), Dronfield’s Oliver Brown (6-5 to Jamie O’Neill) and Doncaster’s Chris Keogan (6-1 to Duane Jones).

Snooker fans can buy tickets from today for the Crucible, with a limited number of seats available.

Last week the UK Government announced the World Championship, which runs from July 31 to August 16, had been selected as the pilot indoor sporting event to allow spectators.

Fans will need to wear face masks and strict protocols will be in place.

WST chairman Barry Hearn said: “The key message for fans is that we want you to enjoy what will be a remarkable occasion. There is a code of conduct to follow so that spectators can be assured that health and safety is our highest priority.

“A vast amount of work by our own staff, Sheffield Council, the Crucible and the UK Government has gone into the logistics of ensuring that all guidelines can be met and we have total confidence that this will be a successful pilot event. To stage the first indoor sporting event with a crowd is a fantastic triumph for snooker.

“Anyone who has never witnessed the amazing Crucible atmosphere now has the chance to buy a golden ticket. Hopefully next year we will be back to usual circumstances. But the chance to say ‘I was there’ the time the tournament was played with a small crowd is something fans will remember for a lifetime. Those in the arena will be the lucky few.

“We have kept the original ticket prices, starting at just £36, to ensure it is affordable and give fans something to inspire them in these difficult times. But get in there fast because we are expecting every seat to sell very rapidly.

“The very best players in the world, including Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Selby, John Higgins, Neil Robertson, defending champion Judd Trump and many more, are ready to put on a spectacular show. This is your chance to be there.”

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