Corfu or Snooker Comp? Top Players Defend Their Paul Hunter Classic Snub
Warrior Kyren Wilson has slammed some top players for their snub of playing in the Paul Hunter Classic which he won over the Bank Holiday weekend in Furth, Germany.
The 26-year-old World Championship semi-finalist from Kettering beat 47-year-old Peter Ebdon, in his first final since 2012, 4 – 2 in the final and pocketed 20K but it was the comments made after that got fans in a stir.
The tournament also made news for having two 147s, where both Michael Georgiou and Jamie Jones shared 10K each.
Kettering’s Wilson tweeted this:
I entered the #PaulHunterClassic to remember a great player who inspired me to play snooker it’s not always about the money, it’s a shame some of the lads who were about when Paul was couldn’t be bothered to enter…bonus is I’m now in champion of champions as a result of it 😘
— Kyren Wilson (@KyrenWilson) August 27, 2018
The Kettering potter had claimed his second ranking event since 2015 where he lifted the Shanghai Masters.
Straight after the match, he said: “Sometimes, it’s not just about the money, it’s about remembering a great snooker player in Paul Hunter”
The Warrior’s tweet sparked fresh controversy as some players defended their decision not to play in the Tribute Tournament to Paul Hunter.
Barry Hawkins tweeted this:
Wouldn’t say couldn’t be bothered mate. Played in it for many years. Like you a lot of us have young families and being it’s the 6 weeks holidays at school now is the time for me to spend some time with them. Corfu or snooker comp? Only one winner I’m afraid. Congrats on your win https://t.co/y8JfUAgpa9
— Barry Hawkins (@TheHawk147) August 27, 2018
It’s a catch 22 as the summer holidays are indeed the only “real” time players have to spend time with their families and kids? Especially when there is a very busy schedule coming up for the Snooker season for the pros where there is virtually a tournament every week from October to December!
Perhaps the Paul Hunter Classic should be re-scheduled at a time where it’s convenient for all!
