For the second time, Terry Davidson will represent his country at the World Snooker Championship hosted by the International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) from Nov. 27 to Dec. 8.
“The IBSF are the world governing body for these Sports,” Davidson said. “They hold an annual world amateur championship with an open men’s, women’s and masters divisions.”
This year’s event will take place at the Olympic Sports Centre in Daugavpils, Latvia.
“There will be 70 countries competing this year,” Davidson said.
A certified snooker coach, Davidson, 68, will compete in the masters division for competitors over 40 years old. He joins Paul Fleming of Kitchener, who will also compete in the master’s level, and Jason Williams of Hamilton, competing in the open men’s division.
“We play in a round robin, with usually five or six matches, then graduate from there,” Davidson said, noting the last rounds are a straight knock-out format.
Davidson’s last appearance at the world’s event was in Sofia, Bulgaria in 2012. Though he did not win a match, the experience was worth the trip.
“I’m 20 years older than most of the other competitors and am the oldest player in the masters,” he said. “Most of the masters are pros in their early forties.”
That doesn’t deter Davidson, because the opportunity to compete at this level and to be in the company of fellow snooker champions makes it worthwhile.
“Right now, I’m ranked sixth in Ontario and I’m playing a little better this year,” he said. “I’m practicing four to five hours a day, sometimes longer and going to every tournament that I can find.”
Davidson’s experience at this tournament has him setting realistic goals for competing.
“My target is to qualify for the knock-out sessions, to come second or first in my round robin group,” he said. “I’d like to win a couple of matches.”
Last year, Davidson came up against Darren Morgan, of Wales, a renowned player in the snooker series.
“No doubt, Darren Morgan is the one to watch,” Davidson said. “He’s 43 years old and an ex-pro snooker player. As a pro he won this event three times. Before that he won the Euro Masters three times.”
