A new snooker and pool facility has opened its doors in the south of the island.

Cue Zone IoM is the brainchild of former professional snooker player and world number 75 Darryl Hill and is situated on the Ronaldsway Industrial Estate.

The venue is the largest billiards facility in the island, housing seven snooker tables - ranging from standard to the World Snooker Star table - as well as four English 8-ball tables and one American 9-ball table.

The venue was originally scheduled to open at Easter but the coronavirus pandemic forced those plans to be shelved. But with the recent easing of lockdown restrictions in the island and sport very much back in the swing of things, Cue Zone held an unofficial opening night recently when the Wakefield Cup competition was held at the venue.

It is still hoped that former world champion Stuart Bingham, who had been due to attend the original opening ceremony, will be able to attend at a later date.

Speaking to the Isle of Man Examiner, Darryl explained: ’My idea for Cue Zone had been something I was planning for a long time, due to what I could see happening in the island with the game with a decline in players and particularly young players coming through and also a lack of venues.

’I have seen a lot of different snooker centres in many different countries and it frustrated me that we never had a venue here to compare with what I had seen in all these places. When I came off the professional circuit I took some time out of the game and then, as I was getting back into it, my family and I thought seriously about looking to start our own venue.

’I was certain with what we had seen away and with the contacts I have that we were capable of pulling something big off and last November we looked at the former southern sorting office on Ronaldsway Industrial Estate - inside, despite it being in a poor condition, I could instantly picture the set-up in my mind.

’We house seven full-size snooker tables ranging from three standard club tables which all have new cushions, new pocket leathers and quick but durable cloths.

’To our four match tables, with the best two being my own personal Shender table used in the 2012 World Amateur Championship and the centrepiece of the venue, the island’s only official World Snooker Star table which is a used professional tournament table and is no different to what Ronnie O’Sullivan claimed his sixth world title on last weekend.

’This is open to anybody to experience exactly what the professionals play week in week out and even has the television lights above it. We also have the island’s only commercial American pool table and upstairs we have four professional English pool tables, used in the IPA Pro event at the Palace Hotel last year.

’The opening night went really well, the feedback has been excellent with so many people appreciative at the island finally having a state-of-the-art dedicated cuesports centre.

’We also house the association’s three world snooker training tables and these were in use on the opening night and on Sunday we hosted our first official coaching session for under-16s, with nine beginners starting lessons with the island’s European qualified and certified coaches.

’All players must be registered with the venue and this can be done either yearly or daily. Yearly is cheaper if players are going to be regulars and this is £40 for adults, £30 for over-60s and £15 for 16 and unders. Alternatively the daily option is £3 per player or £1.50 for juniors.

’The table fees then range from £6 to £8.50 depending on choice of table as the prices differ depending on the standard of the tables. We have a lounge and dining area where we serve hot and cold food and hot and soft drinks.

’Going forward once travel is back open normally Stuart Bingham will still be coming over for an evening and we intend to host international friendlies and have already had interest from several home nations.

’We can be contacted by phone or WhatsApp on 566350. Alternatively email [email protected] or find us on Facebook and message the page.’