Alexander Ursenbacher and Liam Pullen reclaim spots on main World Snooker circuit with Q School success
Published 26/05/2025 at 14:45 GMT+1
The Swiss player nicknamed 'Federer of the Baize' has reclaimed a two-year tour card on the main professional circuit two years after his last trip to Q School. Alexander Ursenbacher, who ended last season at world No. 87, finished off with a break of 61 in a 4-1 win over Ryan Davies. He was joined in earning a place on the main circuit by Liam Pullen, Oliver Brown and Mateusz Baranowski.
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Alexander Ursenbacher reclaimed his spot on the main World Snooker Tour for the next two seasons with a 4-1 win over Ryan Davies in Leicester on Monday.
The Swiss player was joined in earning his place among the elite by 19-year-old Liam Pullen, who produced breaks of 73, 82 and 58 in a 4-2 victory over Germany's Umut Dikme.
Ursenbacher, 29, was forced to return to qualifying after finishing outside of the top in the world rankings at 87 with Pullen down at 98, but both players showed their class to win all five matches at event one.
The former English semi-finalist sealed his return to the main tour with an outrageous fluke on a long red before punching his fist against the table in delight.
Meanwhile, former world No. 84 Oliver Brown will also take his place on the main circuit after he hit back from losing the first frame in a 4-1 win over Craig Steadman.
The fourth and final spot on the circuit was claimed by Poland's Mateusz Baranowski, who completed a 4-2 victory over Patrick Whelan.
Another four tour cards are available for the semi-finalists at Q School event two, which begins on Tuesday and finishes on Sunday.
The first round gets underway on Tuesday morning at the Mattioli Arena with former world No. 2 Tony Knowles taking on Danny Brindle in the evening session.
Knowles lost 4-0 to William Lemons in the opening round of event one.
Former tour professionals Anthony Hamilton, Alfie Burden, Ian Burns and Mark Joyce rejoin the chase for a return to the main tour in round two on Wednesday and Thursday.
Four cards have already been handed out at the Asia-Oceania Q School event one in Bangkok, with China's Xu Yichen and Zhao Hanyang both securing their respective places on tour.
Xu edged 4-3 Pakistan's Babar Masih with Zhao defeating Narongdat Takantong of Thailand 4-1 on Saturday.
Chatchapong Nasa of Thailand and China's Liu Wenwei claimed the first two last Sunday as Nasa completed a 4-0 win over Liu Linhao, while Liu Wenwei edged compatriot Luo Zetao 4-3 to secure his card for the next two seasons.
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