Ben Hancorn

Hancorn achieved a lifelong ambition of gaining professional status for the first time by successfully coming through Q School in 2020. He beat Kuldesh Johal 4-0 in the final round of event two.

The fire was stoked with his victory at this year’s English Amateur Championship, the 100^th running of the event. To mark the occasion, the final was played in the main arena at the Coral World Grand Prix in Cheltenham. He beat Rory McLeod 5-3 to lift the title.

“I always thought that I was capable of getting on the tour. It isn’t easy to get there,” said Hancorn. “There are only 128 players in the world that can do so. After many years of trying, I’ve finally done it. This is an amazing buzz. I got there eventually and it is a bit overwhelming.

“I just want to get my teeth into it. I am under no illusions. I know it is going to be tough. However, at my age I do have experience on my side. I think I can adapt quickly. I have played these guys before and I know how good they are. Of course, under match conditions things change. You either love it or hate it. I think I will love it, but that is up to me to prove now. I don’t want to just get on the tour, I want to stay on it. My biggest goal is to match it with the big boys and stay there.”

Read more about Hancorn here