SNOOKER fans are being offered the chance to test themselves against a professional player at a special event.

Ross Muir, who recently regained his spot at the top table of the sport, and Musselburgh Athletic are joining forces on Saturday.

More than a dozen frames will be played as Muir takes on all-comers at the town’s Store Club from 1pm.

He said: “This will be the first of many events to get more people engaged with snooker.

“It is something a bit different. We have not had a lot of snooker events here in recent years and fingers crossed it can be the start of many.

“We have got plans for further down the line to grow it and we are hoping it is going to be a success.

“We have got up to 20 frames available for the day and it will be a frame against myself.”

The 27-year-old won the European Amateur Snooker Championship in March to gain a professional card to compete on the World Snooker Tour next season.

 

 

That gives Muir, who was on the tour from 2013 to 2018, the chance to play against the best in the sport.

And Muir, who last season faced stars such as Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Davis and David Gilbert, is no stranger to a football field either.

As well as playing for Edina Hibs, Muir, who lives in Musselburgh, was scouted by Celtic before swapping goalkeeping gloves for a snooker cue.

He said: “I was a goalkeeper when I was a kid and spent many years trying to pursue a football career.

“I had a wrist injury, which just happened at a similar time to me getting into playing pool. That was one of the many reasons I gave snooker a go.

“I tried snooker and here I am 17 years later.

“I am sure I was around 10 or 11 years old when I made the choice so it was pretty early on but I had a recurring wrist injury and that played into the decision to focus on snooker.”

READ MORE: Snooker star Ross Muir and Musselburgh Athletic link up

Now focusing on the green of a snooker table instead of an 18-yard box, Muir is getting back into training ahead of the new season starting.

As well as practising, he will be touring the country, stopping off in Hawick, Falkirk, Inverness, Cumbernauld, Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes, to perform in exhibitions before the Championship League starts.

He said: “You have got two type of exhibitions.

“The one I am doing does not involve trick shots and it is purely on a playing basis.

“I play and give it my best and want to give my opponent the most authentic experience of playing a professional.

“I want to show what a professional level is and by no means am I taking it lightly.

“I play the same way as if I am playing Ronnie O’Sullivan or John Higgins and wanting to win every frame.”

Entry is £10 per frame; to reserve a place, call 07570 787294.

Funds raised will be split between Muir’s season costs and the club’s community projects.