Tony Southern Triumphs Over Niwat Kongta in World Abilitysport Games Final

Snooker enthusiasts around the world are buzzing with excitement as the sport aims to make a return to the Paralympics in 2032, after a 44-year absence. The push for inclusion comes as disability snooker continues to grow at a rapid rate, with players showcasing their skills on the global stage.

In a recent highlight, England dominated the World Abilitysport Games in Thailand, with Tony Southern emerging victorious in the final against Thailand’s Niwat Kongta. Southern claimed gold in the group two wheelchair category, expressing his dream of representing Great Britain at the Paralympics.

The 55-year-old from Liverpool shared his enthusiasm for the sport, stating, “It’s a sport that can be enjoyed by all, no matter your disability or ability at the table and it’s one of the few sports that can be played by everybody.”

Nigel Mawer, chairman of World Disability Billiards and Snooker (WDBS), emphasized the suitability of snooker for the Paralympics, citing its history in the games and the alignment of its categories with the Paralympic model. The next step for the sport is to gain recognition from the International Paralympic Committee, paving the way for potential inclusion in future Paralympic events.

As the standard of play continues to rise, with players achieving impressive breaks and showcasing their skills, the anticipation for snooker’s potential return to the Paralympics grows. With upcoming events such as the European Championships and the first World Championship in Thailand, the future looks bright for disability snooker on the global stage.