World Snooker and WPBSA have made the decision to alter the number of tour cards available at 2014 Q School from 12 to 8.
This decision has been made as a consequence of the global expansion of the sport and the increased demand for tour places from international players.
Q School, which takes place in May at the Capital Venue in Gloucester, will therefore award tour cards to each of the eight semi-finalists in two tournaments, rather than twelve over three tournaments as in previous years.
The entry fee for Q School has been reduced from £1,000 to £600.
Each of the eight Q School qualifiers will receive a two-year tour card and the chance to play for over £8 million in prize money on the global World Snooker circuit as well as free entry to all Euro Tour events in the 2014/15 season.
Entries are now being taken and anyone who has the talent and dedication required to make it as a snooker professional is urged to get their entry in fast.
The closing date is Friday 4 April 2014. Just go to www.worldsnooker.com, click on Online Entries on the home page and follow the instructions.
It is open to players of all ages and nationalities (subject to terms and conditions).
A ranking list will be compiled during Q School, with players earning one point for every frame won. During the main tour season, should any of the tournament draws fall below a total entry of 128 then the field will be topped up with the highest ranked players from the Q-School list who have not gained one of the eight tour cards.
The 'top-up' system meant that seven amateurs played at the UK Championship in York last month. Amateur Mitchell Travis scored amazing victories over world number six Marco Fu and Kurt Maflin. He said: "It's an unbelievable opportunity, to play in the biggest tournaments. It just shows that even if you don't make it through Q School, as long as you win enough matches you will still have the chance to play in a lot of ranking events.
"I definitely think Q School is the best qualifying system and any players who want a shot at glory should give it a try."
World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn added: "The opportunities available for players to get on to the professional tour, climb the rankings quickly and compete for £8 million in prize money in tournaments all around the world, have never been better. So the message is clear: if you are good enough and determined enough to succeed in snooker, get your name down for Q School and get practising."
Enter Q School today, and chase your dream! For more details seewww.worldsnookerqschool.com
