The primary of two Q College occasions in England concluded on Wednesday with a quartet of comfortable contenders becoming a member of the World Snooker Tour.

Alexander Ursenbacher, Andrew Higginson, Andrew Pagett, and Liam Pullen all managed to emerge from the cut-throat competitors in Leicester.

Greater than 200 opponents participated on the Morningside Enviornment, however simply 4 remained standing on the Morningside Enviornment.

Having received all their Q College fixtures, the foursome will every obtain two-year playing cards to compete as professionals on the principle tour through the 2023/24 and 2024/25 snooker seasons.

For Ursenbacher, the Swiss star instantly bounces again after being relegated from the professional circuit on the conclusion of the final time period.

The 27 year-old has change into considerably of a Q College specialist, with this representing his third time graduating from the gruelling event.

After safely negotiating a pair of Belgian gamers, Ursenbacher compiled a tournament-high break of 136 in his 4-1 defeat of Chris Totten.

The previous English Open semi-finalist then overcame Alfie Burden earlier than a tense 4-3 victory over veteran Barry Pinches sealed his profitable spot.

“I simply didn’t need to play one other week of Q College,” an emotional Ursenbacher instructed the World Snooker Tour.

“What it does to you, it’s not wholesome. I do know I’m assured two years now and I’m going to make some modifications, as a result of I can’t try this once more.”

“I assume many gamers have a again up plan with finding out, having a job anyway or sponsors. I’ve none of this.

“I do know what I’m able to in order that places loads of strain on myself. I simply didn’t need to disappoint myself, my household, my girlfriend and my buddies. I’m actually happy.”

Higginson, in the meantime, assured his return to the big-time after a 12 months exterior the upper ranks competing as an newbie participant.

The previous Welsh Open runner-up’s closest battle was within the third spherical when he denied Billy Fortress in a deciding body.

Apart from that, the 45 year-old had few issues and confirmed his return with a whitewash triumph in opposition to Haydon Pinhey.

“I didn’t have loads of excessive hopes coming into it, however you probably have the appropriate way of thinking and tunnel imaginative and prescient that stands you in good stead. Having the 12 months off tour was most likely one thing that I wanted,” Higginson stated.

“For years, I’ve been placing an excessive amount of strain on myself. The sport is tough sufficient. I believe once you loosen up and you’re comfortable you play your greatest snooker.”

“I’m having fun with the little bits of training I’m doing now. It is going to be good to satisfy up with my mates on tour once more.”

Elsewhere, Pullen grew to become the primary snooker rookie to make it via from Q College in 2023 with a 4-0 success over Alex Taubman.

{The teenager} from England impressed many, together with Neal Foulds who in contrast his sport to that of Mark Selby’s.

Pullen’s standout efficiency was within the fourth spherical when he fought his approach again from 3-0 right down to beat Craig Steadman.

Earlier this 12 months, the 17 year-old misplaced within the remaining of the WSF Junior Championship to Stan Moody.

Lastly, Pagett confirmed his speedy return to the professional scene after overcoming Iulian Boiko 4-2 in his remaining spherical.

Regardless of a number of makes an attempt, the Welshman has by no means managed to interrupt into the highest 64 of the world rankings however could have one other crack over the course of the subsequent two seasons.

Q College Occasion 2 commences on Thursday with 4 extra locations up for grabs, whereas the primary of two Asia and Oceania Q College occasions additionally will get below approach in Thailand.

Featured photograph credit score: WST