|
Snookers governing body is not doing enough to encourage ethnic minorities to take up the sport, the games only black professional player has claimed.World No.52 Rory McLeod hit out at the lack of diversity at an amateur level and accused World Snooker of being more interested in the glamour of major events than growing the sports reach.What World Snooker are bothered about is the prize money and sponsors. That is it, McLeod told the BBC. You need black people in the snooker clubs for starters]Parents are pushing their children towards an education rather than telling them to be a professional snooker player.There is a lot of moving around in snooker, too. You have to travel and stay over at places. If you dont have money for that then you cant do it.There could be a lot more [black players] but the opportunities are not there. Most snooker players have money and support behind them, to have that in the snooker business for black people is not something that exists.McLeod, 45, spent a decade on a secondary tour on which another black player, John Clouden, also appeared in 1994 and 1995, but snooker is yet to see any other black professionals.World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association chairman Jason Ferguson defended his organisations record of promoting the sport and insisted snooker was working hard to improve participation levels outside snookers heartland.We have equal opportunities in the sport and there are no boundaries for participation, he said. If you are good enough, you can make it on the tour.We need to reach out to those areas in the world that we are not yet there. Africa is one of those we are working on right now. . "I was fortunate to play many years at this level with a great organization and unbelievable teammates," said Hejduk in a statement. . JOHNS, N. . He said Tuesday thats a big reason why he is now the new coach of the Tennessee Titans. Whisenhunt said he hit it off quickly with Ruston Webster when interviewing for the job Friday night. . Lack made 20 saves for his third shutout of the season as the Canucks blanked the St. Louis Blues 1-0 in the first post-Olympic game for both teams night. . "It doesnt get any better than that," Giambi said. "Im speechless." The Indians are roaring toward October. Giambi belted a two-run, pinch-hit homer with two outs in the ninth inning to give Cleveland a shocking 5-4 win over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night, keeping the Indians up with the lead pack in the AL wild-card race. COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Central defenders John Brooks, Matt Besler and Omar Gonzalez all were in the starting lineup for the United States World Cup qualifier against Mexico on Friday night.Coach Jurgen Klinsmann appeared to switch to a 3-5-2 formation that included Timmy Chandler and Fabian Johnson on the wings of a midfield with Jermaine Jones, Michael Bradley and Christian Pulisic. Jozy Altidore and Bobby Wood were up front.Tim Howard was in goal, regaining the No. 1 job after Brad Guzan was benched by Middlesbrough.The match was the opener of the final round of qualifying in North and Central America and the Caribbean.Three players didnt dress for the U.S.: goallkeeper Ethan Horvath, defender Cameron Carter-Vickers and midfielder Caleb Stanko.ddddddddddddMexico started an offense-minded 4-5-1 formation with Alfredo Talavera in goal; Diego Reyes at right back; Rafa Marquez and Hector Moreno in central defense; Miguel Layun at left back; Hector Herrera and Andres Guardado in defensive midfield; Carlos Vela, Giovani dos Santos and Jesus Corona in advanced midfield; and Javier Hernandez up front.The U.S. entered with four straight 2-0 wins over Mexico in home World Cup qualifiers, all at home. ' ' '
|
