Adrian Gunnell hit by world snooker ranking shock

Shell-shocked Shropshire cueman Adrian Gunnell was today contemplating his future in snooker following his relegation from the main tour after 18 years.

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Shell-shocked Shropshire cueman Adrian Gunnell was today contemplating his future in snooker following his relegation from the main tour after 18 years.

The 39-year-old, fromTelford, was beaten 10-8 by Sheffield's Adam Duffy in his opening Betfred.com World Championship qualifying match last night.

Defeat in that win-or-bust encounter means Gunnell will drop out of the world's top 64 and leaves him facing an agonising decision over whether to continue with a professional career which began in 1994.

Gunnell could attend next month's qualifying school where more than 100 players will do battle over three tournaments, with the 12 players reaching the semi-finals earning two-year cards on the main tour.