Leo Fernandez – Doing the Fandango By Elliott West Name: Leo Fernandez Leo Fernandez was a former Irish professional player and Born: 5 July 1976 spent his career on and off the main tour. With 34 century Nationality: ROI breaks to his name and a highest break of 140, this Highest break: 140 Irishman could definitely play. His best run of play was in the 2003 Welsh Open when he reached the last 16 stage after beating the likes of Fergal O’Brien and Mark King. Sadly his main tour career was blighted by a testicular cancer diagnosis but thankfully he made a full recovery. A true trooper he carried on playing while he was still in the recovery stage. In his early career he did win the 2003 English Open, beating Craig Butler 8-7 and the English Amateur Championship in 2011, beating John Whitty in the final, 10- 6 but this was sadly to be his only career win. However, this plucky character has managed to bounce back and in 2017 defeated Ding Junhui in the UK Championship, coming from 5-1 behind to beat the two-time former UK Champion 6-5 at the York Barbican. Leo has now taken up the challenge to compete on the Seniors tour and we look forward to seeing the flair of this once promising player return to the baize. Fernandez comes from a long line of players from the Republic of Ireland, a hotbed of snooker for so many years and a country that moulds battlers and champions. Hopefully Leo will shine in his second coming and show that someone can succeed when given a second chance. Follow the link below to secure your seat at the this year’s Senior Tour. Hurry Tickets are selling out quickly! https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/snooker-seniors.