SNOOKER: KIDDERMINSTER regular Ian Hurdman has qualified for the main professional snooker circuit next season.

In the four-event challenge tour, Hurdman, who practices at Pockets Snooker Club, finished ninth from 433 entrants.

He reached the quarter-finals in the first event last year and the last 16 recently in the final tournament to clinch his place.

Hurdman also qualified for the first round proper of this season's World Championships but was beaten 10-6 by Bob Chaperon, of Canada, a former British Open champion.

The former Midland junior champion's best ever performance as a professional was in the Embassy in 1996 when he reached the last 128.

This season's English finals will be staged on May 12 and 13 at Pockets.

Meanwhile, Bewdley's Richard King looks set to be relegated from this season's main tour after a disappointing end to the season.

Kidderminster professional Terry Murphy also missed out on the World Championships which are currently running in Sheffield.

Qualifying for the 2001/2002 season commences late July at Newport, south Wales, when Hurdman will feature in all 10 major events.