Andy Hicks

After a hiatus of six years, Hicks regained a place on the pro tour in 2019 at the age of 45, coming through Q School. He beat Qingtian Yang 4-0 in the final round of event three.

“I’m looking forward to having a good go at it for two years to see what happens,” said Hicks. “It’s tough at Q School because everyone has to fight to qualify. I have come close before and missed out. I have played solid snooker this time and I feel I deserved to get through.

“About six months ago I really questioned whether I should carry on playing, but my friend Paul Williams convinced me to keep going and try to get back on the tour. I can’t wait, I am going to play in every event.”

During the best years of his career, Hicks appeared in five ranking event semi-finals as well as the last four of the Masters.

He made his debut in the televised stages of the World Championship in 1995 and made an immediate impact with wins over Steve Davis, Willie Thorne and Peter Ebdon before he lost 16-11 to Nigel Bond with a place in the final at stake. He also won the Masters qualifier in 1997.

Originally from Tavistock, father–of-two Hicks is nicknamed the Cream of Devon, though he now lives across the border in Cornwall, near Launceston.