A MUSSELBURGH businessman is sponsoring snooker star Ross Muir, who is set to take part in the BetVictor Gibraltar Open and qualifying rounds for the World Snooker Championship.

Former boxer Alex Brown, of High Street-based Ideal Flooring Solutions, is delighted to support the former Musselburgh Grammar School pupil with funds for his travel and other overheads.

Ross, 26, who lives on the town’s Edinburgh Road, said that it would be “a long-term” partnership, with the hope they might get involved in community-based activities in the future.

In the first round of the BetVictor Gibraltar Open today (Thursday), Ross will play Mark Williams, the Welsh snooker player and three-times world champion, at 1pm.

Alex said: “This match for Ross against Mark Williams will be shown on Eurosport and it’s a great opportunity for Ross, who is the only professional snooker player I’m aware of from East Lothian, to show off his skills.

“I feel a win for Ross against Mark Williams, a three-time world champion, would be a brilliant achievement and inspire young people from East Lothian to take up the sport.”

Alex is also sponsoring Ross in his quest to qualify for the World Snooker Championship next month.

Three qualifying rounds will be held at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, with the championship being staged at the Crucible Theatre.

Alex said: “All of us at Ideal Flooring Solutions wish Ross all the best for both tournaments.”

'A great guy'

Ross said: “It is absolutely fantastic to have Alex onboard.

“He is someone who is very passionate about sport and the local community. He is a great guy.”

He paid tribute to Alex’s fundraising, including his most recent appeal to help people in war-torn Ukraine.

Ross is looking forward to meeting Mark Williams, whom he described as “one of the legends of the sport”, at the BetVictor Gibraltar Open.

He said: “Mark was my very first match as a professional when I was 17 and is a fantastic player.

“I’ve not played him for a few years.”

Ross said he was working hard with his coach and on the practice table, with qualifying for the World Snooker Championship his goal.

He highlighted the popularity of snooker in East Lothian with a well-attended exhibition match between two snooker greats – Stephen Hendry and Jimmy White – at The Brunton in Musselburgh last week.

A question-and-answer session was also enjoyed.

“It was fantastic – everyone loved it,” Ross said, adding that it was hoped that something similar could be organised in the community in the future.

Ukraine support

Alex is raising £2,500 to support people from Ukraine and has match-funded the first £500 himself.

Musselburgh resident Jim Cranston, who owns Portobello-based builder Acorn Services, pledged £300 to help Alex reach his JustGiving target of £2,000, which, along with £500 in Gift Aid, will go to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

Alex said: “It is very difficult to raise funds, with so many people raising funds, but I’ve managed this with the amazing help of Jimmy Cranston and his wife Pauline, my son-in-law Ashley Jones, who gave very generous donations, and many other amazing people who have supported my fundraising for many years.

“I feel very strongly about what’s happening in the Ukraine and it’s heartbreaking to watch.

“I have thanked every single person directly for each donation.”

Go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/monica-brown to support Mr Brown’s appeal.