Referee Gary Truscott, who with Island player Ray Kilmartin, represented Jersey in the World Championships for the first time in Thailand last month, says he is ‘exceedingly optimistic’ that the Europeans will be held here next year.
Truscott said: ‘After seeing the set up in Thailand I thought it would be brilliant to bring either the Worlds or the Europeans to Jersey.
I’m a Jerseyman and it would great for Tourism and our sport.
‘When I returned from the Far East I was happy to look into the possibility of organising the Worlds for 2010 but the Europeans next year are currently without a venue so I want to help bring it here.
‘Things have moved quickly.
I’ve got the backing of Tourism and Education, Sport and Culture and I’m in the process of finalising accommodation.
Hopefully everything will be confirmed sometime next week.
‘If it comes off – and I’m confident it will – I see know reason why Jersey can not stage the Worlds in 2010 as well because, as I say, we have the facilities.’
Snooker event organiser Maxine Cassis, who was in charge of the referees at the World Championship in Thailand, said: ‘Turkey pulled out recently because of financial problems and Gary and his refereeing coach David Joyce have offered to help out and see if Jersey can stage the event.
‘It’s not just a men’s tournament, there will be ladies and masters ‘over-40s’ too.
I spoke with Gary just two days ago and it seems he is well advanced with his plans.
‘He paints a good image of your Island, you are lucky to have someone like him because he does a lot for your snooker too.’
Cassis said that should the event be staged in Jersey it would attract a minimum of 250 people to the Island including a team who would run the championships, ie referees, a tournament director, a head referee, web master and officials to deal with the live scoring.
Cassis added: ‘We run four big tournaments every year and we have been doing so for ten years.
If a venue and hotels and half board be in place for the 40 or so officials then that team will do the rest.’
The European Championship is due to be held at the end of May.
