Rory McLeod: World Snooker ‘doing nothing’ to attract black players

Rory McLeod reached the third round of the UK Championship in 2014, the furthest he has gone in the competition2016 UK ChampionshipVenue: Barbican Centre, York. Dates: 22 November – 4 December. Coverage: Live on BBC TV and BBC Sport online and updates on BBC Radio 5 live

Snooker’s only black professional says the sport’s governing body is “not doing anything” to attract more black people to take up the sport.

Since joining the main tour in 2001, Leicester-based Rory McLeod has been the only black player to compete.

“What World Snooker are bothered about is the prize money and sponsors. That is it,” McLeod, 45, told BBC Sport.

However, WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson says the comments are “completely unfair” and the sport is open to all.

He added: “We have equal opportunities in the sport and there are no boundaries for participation. 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.”

‘Other players don’t mess with me’

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McLeod ‘finally’ brings trophy home

McLeod, who is ranked 52nd in the world, spent 10 years on a secondary tour on which another black player, John Clouden, also competed during 1994 and 1995 – but there have not been any others since.

Last season was the most successful of McLeod’s career, as he won his first title carrying …

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