Going to Gloucester

Dr Foster went to Gloucester, according to the famous old nursery rhyme.

I could never see the fascination of the place what with all the rain and puddles - but it's different now.

Picture supplied by the SWSA

Launch of the South West Snooker Academy (SWSA) has transformed Gloucester into an exciting hotbed for snooker.

The impressive 20,000 square foot facility is a haven for the game. With eight tables split into two hubs of four and an additional four practice tables, it's no surprise that so many professionals now call this place home.

Not only is the SWSA a first class base for players, but it's a world class venue as well.

It beat the Sheffield Academy hands down last season when it came to hosting the UK PTCs and now it will host all four on these shores.

The first event got under way yesterday with the amateur rounds in full flow, but tomorrow sees the introduction of the professionals and the countdown from the last 128 stage.

Last season's PTC series caused plenty of grievances but I'd expect the four events in Gloucester to get rave reviews this time.

The facilities are better than in Sheffield and there are more tables, meaning an end to the late night finishes. The crowd love it here too. There is room for spectators in Gloucester and a great opportunity for enthusiastic fans of the sport to see a wide raft of players over the quickfire three-day event.

The best-of-seven-frame format matches make it difficult to pick a winner. But the £10,000 winner's cheque on offer would be a good weekend's work in anyone's book.

Barry Hearn is determined to make the PTCs the cornerstone of the snooker calendar. Anyone who still wants to moan at Gloucester really will take some pleasing. Their creation have importantly got players playing regularly. They provide excellent match practice and the chance to pick up vital ranking points.