The Pink Ribbon Tournament began on Thursday, 17th June to launch the South West Snooker Academy. Paul Mount, Managing Director of the Academy, gave an emotional opening speech infront of an audience of approximately 150 which included professionals such as Nigel Bond, Joe Perry, Jack Lisowski and the On Q Promotions players.

Paul Mount made a ceremonial break off to mark the opening of the Academy which attracted cheers from the crowd as the cue ball finished millimetres from the baulk cushion. His luck was soon to run out though as he was beaten 4-2 by James Brown.

At 9:30am the first session of matches in the new Academy began which included professionals such as Barry Hawkins, Nigel Bond, Gerard Greene and Mark Joyce as well as new boys to the tour Jack Lisowski and Liam Highfield. Every two hours saw a fresh batch of amateurs battle against snooker icons to secure a place in the next round. James Popplewell was the fortunate player to draw Jimmy White in the first round and despite being on the wrong end of a 4-0 scoreline, was elated at the opportunity to play his snooker hero.

Notable results from the day include Ben Harrison completing a 4-2 victory over Matthew Stevens to set up a second round match against Gerard Greene. Jack Lisowski and Liam Highfield both also fell victim to amateur players with Lisowski losing 4-1 to 15 year old Oliver Brown and Highfield losing 4-3 to Karl Ashmore. Ben Woollaston lost out on a place in the second round after losing to David Brown 4-3. Brown will now face Judd Trump for a place in the final 32.