Cambridge pool player Richard Jones contemplating playing in next year’s Pro Series Tour

After chalking up one of his biggest tournament victories to date, Richard Jones now has a decision to make.

The Cambridge potting ace’s triumph at the Challenger Series event 9 of the Ultimate Pool Tour saw him earn a spot on next year’s Pro Series Tour.

However, taking up that place will require more commitment from the 45-year-old, who works as a porter at Papworth Hospital.

To ensure that he can be competitive against some of the sport’s biggest names, Jones will need to spend extra time on the practice table, as well as committing to being away one weekend every month between February and November to compete in tournaments.

The former Netherhall School pupil, who practices at WT’s Sports Bar in the city centre, said: “I changed jobs last year and started to think about playing a bit less and doing other things with my life.

“I’ve played cue sports since I was 16 but I’ve always seen it as more of a hobby and took a relaxed approach to it.

“I’ve still managed to win some tournaments along the way and this is one of my biggest for sure.

“For lots of players, the Pro Series is their goal. I’ve always been pretty blasé about that sort of thing, but now I’ve qualified, it’s a big thing.

“It’s something I’m thinking about and it would have to go alongside my work as well. It’s not a competition you can just rock up and play in.

“We’ll see what happens. I can’t deny it would be a great experience to test myself against some of the best players.

“I’ve won some big tournaments before so I know I can do it. It will just come down to whether or not I can commit to putting in more practice each week.”