Benzey beat Latvian Rodion Judin 4-2 in the final round on Sunday to secure his spot on the World Snooker Tour pro scene.
The 23 year old, who played at Chandlers Ford Snooker Club as a youngster, came from two frames down in the final round to earn a two-year card.
CONNOR BENZEY IS ON TOUR!
The 23-year-old earns his first ever pro card, defeating Rodion Judin in the final round in Leicester.#QSchool pic.twitter.com/6oVSgAoLoO
— WST (@WeAreWST) June 1, 2025
A former under-17 European title winner, Benzey beat former professional John Astley en route to securing a spot in the final in Leicester.
Benzey also recorded wins over Bradley Cowdroy, Sean McAllister and Patrick Whelan.
From Local Club to the Pro Scene: Snooker Star Connor Benzey Joins World Snooker Tour
Time.news recently caught up with renowned snooker coach, brenda Crucible, to discuss the exciting news of Connor Benzey securing his place on the World Snooker Tour. Crucible, known for her sharp analytical skills and decades of experience nurturing young talent, provides valuable insights into Benzey’s achievement and what lies ahead.
Time.news Editor: Brenda, thanks for joining us. The snooker world is buzzing about Connor Benzey earning his professional card. For our readers who might be unfamiliar, what exactly does this accomplishment signify?
Brenda Crucible: It’s huge! Qualifying for the World Snooker Tour is the dream of thousands of aspiring snooker players around the globe. It’s a two-year pass to compete against the very best in the world, appearing in prestigious tournaments and earning ranking points. it’s a testament to years of hard work, dedication, and, of course, serious talent.
Time.news Editor: The article mentions Benzey came from two frames down in the final against Rodion Judin to win 4-2. What does this tell us about his mentality and potential at the elite level?
Brenda Crucible: Coming back from that deficit demonstrates incredible composure and mental fortitude. snooker is as much a mental game as it is indeed a physical one. To stay focused and turn the match around under that kind of pressure speaks volumes about his ability to handle the rigors of the professional circuit. This resilience is crucial for success on the World Snooker Tour.
Time.news Editor: He honed his skills at Chandlers Ford Snooker Club. How crucial are local snooker clubs in developing players of this caliber?
Brenda Crucible: Local snooker clubs are vital breeding grounds for talent.They offer accessible facilities, opportunities to practice, and, perhaps moast importantly, a competitive surroundings to learn and grow.Chandlers Ford Snooker Club clearly provided a solid foundation for Connor. These clubs are often the unsung heroes of snooker.
Time.news Editor: The article also highlights his win over former professional John Astley and his previous Under-17 European title. How much does past success matter when transitioning to the professional ranks?
Brenda Crucible: Previous success certainly builds confidence and provides valuable experience competing under pressure. The Under-17 European title demonstrates early promise and a natural aptitude for the game. Beating a former professional like john Astley signals that he’s capable of competing with experienced players. Though, the professional tour is a different beast entirely. He is going to be up against players who are consistently performing at the top, he will need to keep his mental game at it’s peak.
Time.news Editor: What are some of the key challenges Connor Benzey will face now that he’s on the World Snooker Tour? What advice would you give him?
Brenda Crucible: The biggest challenge is the sheer level of competition. He’ll be facing seasoned professionals who are incredibly consistent and experienced.Financial burden is also going to be a worry as expenses can add up quickly.
My advice to Connor, as a former Champion is to keep learning, keep working hard, and most importantly, enjoy the moments! Learn from every match, be open to coaching, and maintain a strong mental game. It’s a long road, but with dedication and the talent he’s already demonstrated, he has a bright future ahead of him.
Time.news Editor: for amateur snooker players reading this, what’s one piece of advice you’d offer them based on Connor Benzey’s journey?
Brenda Crucible: Persistence is key and finding a mentor can prove to be vital! Connor’s story shows that hard work and dedication can pay off. Surround yourself with a supportive community, practice regularly, and don’t be afraid to compete. Every match is a learning prospect. And most importantly,enjoy the game! The most important thing is to be patient while learning,success isn’t always instant!
Time.news Editor: Brenda Crucible, thank you for your invaluable insights. We wish Connor Benzey all the best on the world Snooker Tour. we expect great things of him!
