Ursenbacher aims to fly Europe’s flag at Crucible

Swiss star Alexander Ursenbacher is determined to defy quarantine rules and the “continental mentality” to realise his dream of reaching the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible.

Ursenbacher, the world No 86, is aiming to become only the eighth European from outside the UK and Ireland to reach the final stages since it switched to The Crucible in 1977.

But his focus on qualifying, which begins on 21 July, has been complicated by strict quarantine regulations which have already seen 16 of the world’s 127 tour players withdraw.

Ursenbacher must have a coronavirus test upon arrival at the official hotel, in which he will remain quarantined for the duration of the qualifying tournament. He said: “The quarantine situation is not ideal but provided I can practice during that time it is not a big deal – it never crossed my mind to pull out.”

Continental snooker stars outside the UK and Ireland have been few and far between, with Belgian Luca Brecel currently leading the charge following his recent win in the Championship League tournament in Milton Keynes.

But more European players will get the chance to qualifythisyear–including the tournament’s youngest ever player, Ukrainian 14-year-old Iulian Boiko – due to the withdrawals of players from primarily China and Hong Kong.

Ursenbacher, who started playing 15 years ago because he “loved the sound of the balls going into the pockets” hopes Brecel can raise the sport’s profile beyond its traditional borders. He said: “If Luca continues to have success he could change the attitude and inspire more players from these countries.”

Ursenbacher will face either Chen Feilong or Aaron Hill in the second round of qualifying. Yesterday’s draw pitted six-time runner-up Jimmy White against Russia’s Ivan Kakovskii, while Reanne Evans, the only female in the draw, faces 1995 semi-finalist Andy Hicks.