Farebrother Secures Crucible Debut With Asia-Pacific Seniors Crown
Roger Farebrother defeated Adrian Ridley 4-3 to win the 2026 Asia-Pacific Seniors Snooker Championship title at Club Forster in New South Wales, Australia.
The victory earns Farebrother a place in the 2026 World Seniors Snooker Championship in May, where the 66-year-old will make his debut at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
A total of 53 cueists contested the event, which was staged on 2-5 February, and Farebrother stormed through his group with a clean sweep of victories and no frames lost.
After overcoming Fathey Refai 3-1 in his opening knockout match, Farebrother faced defending champion Hassan Kerde – who memorably reached the semi-finals of the World Seniors Snooker Championship last year with victories over Tony Knowles and Charl Jonck.
Kerde led 2-1 in the best-of-five frame contest, but his dreams of a Crucible return were shattered as a break of 52 helped his opponent win through in a decider to reach the last four.
Visits of 40 and 44 then saw Farebrother set up a title match meeting with Ridley after downing Michael Cosh 3-1 in the semi-finals.
Ridley, a former champion who beat Joe Johnson to reach the quarter-finals of the 2023 World Seniors Snooker Championship, had last beaten Alan McCarthy 3-1 to reach this stage and moved ahead for the first time in the final at 3-2.
Two tight frames followed and it was Farebrother who held his nerve to win them both and earn a 4-3 victory – securing the prestigious title and his place at snooker’s most famous venue.
Tickets for the 2026 World Seniors Snooker Championship are available from just £17.50 plus booking fee. Click here to secure your visit to the home of snooker.
