McLeod on snooker’s spotlight
In a sport where white people dominate the arena, it’s probably difficult for Rory McLeod to penetrate and level up with other professional snookers.
Among the few black players in the sport, McLeod will finally enter one of the most prestigious snooker tournaments in the world. Not only is he breaking conventions; he also is the oldest contender for the Masters title.
At 38 years old, McLeod will try to become the first black snooker professional to ever win the Masters. His journey in the sport he genuinely loves hasn’t been easy.
McLeod started playing snooker while at school, where he’d go to his friend’s house to play. At the age of 13, he joined a snooker club to better develop his skills in the sport. As snooker opened its doors to everyone in the 1980s, he decided to turn professional at the age of 18. Visit this forum on Branded USB's.
However, the way to the mainstream sport was rough for McLeod. His colour somehow became an obstacle.
“I could not get a sponsor for love nor money. I knocked on many doors. It just wasn’t happening. After that I didn’t participate in any professional tournaments for nearly 10 years. It was a kick in the teeth”.
McLeod worked as a barber and landlord after taking electronics in college.
“At 29, that was when I said, ‘That’s it, I’m just going to play snooker’”.
After nine years of joining tournaments, McLeod moved up to No. 39 in the world rankings. He was victorious over five qualifying rounds to the Masters.
“I don’t want anything; I’ll earn it myself…World Snooker has never asked me to do anything. Hopefully now Barry Hearn is back in the sport, he will see things in a different light”.
Source:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/othersports/article-1242156/Rory-McLeod-finally-gets-big-break-black-snooker-pro-makes-Masters-debut-aged-38.html
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