Massive In Macedonia

Bond with leading Macedonian junior player Stefan Knezevic

Nigel Bond was in the Macedonian capital Skopje last week for a coaching workshop.

Former World Championship finalist Bond has paid several visits in recent years to the country in the Balkan peninsula of south-east Europe, with the intention to help snooker grow in the region.

Bond, who is still on the pro tour at the age of 51 and is currently ranked 72nd in the world, spend three days at the Gran Club in Skopje, working with talented junior players and playing exhibition matches.

Two of Macedonia’s best young talents, Berat Jashari (18) and Stefan Knezevic (14), spent time with Bond to improve their technical and tactical skills.

“It was my fourth visit to Macedonia and I can see the great strides that have been made there in terms of the popularity of snooker,” said Derbyshire’s Bond. “It is a special pleasure to work with young players who have serious potential. I look forward to seeing their development and success in regional and European tournaments.”

Bond also played an exhibition against the country’s top player Pavle Danilov, who said: ”It’s an honour to play with someone of Nigel’s calibre. He is excellent at what he does and a proven friend of the Macedonian snooker community. These events lift the level of the sport in Macedonia and the quality of the players.”