Shocked Shropshire snooker star Adrian Gunnell has admitted he is disappointed to see the sport’s second biggest tournament axed from his home town.

Gunnell, who is contemplating his future in the sport, has revealed his surprise at the UK Championship moving from Telford’s International Centre back to its former venue of the Barbican Centre in York.

The sport’s second biggest event was held for four years in Telford, with Gunnell reaching the final stages once when he was beaten by current World Championship semi-finalist Ding Junhui.

“I’m disappointed for Shropshire rather than for myself because I didn’t have great success in terms of qualifying for the event,” said Gunnell, who turns 39 this year.

“But I know it was popular with sports fans in Shropshire, popular with World Snooker and popular with the players.

“Nobody had a bad word to say about it as a venue so, from that point of view, I’m surprised they have taken it away from us.

“But, by the same token, York is a popular venue and I know the intention has always been to go back there. Telford has done nothing wrong.”

Gunnell remains hopeful a future tournament will return to Telford — but whether he is still part of the sport remains to be seen.

The Telford cueman has been considering the sport after a disappointing campaign was ended with a 10-9 defeat to Liu Song at World Championship qualifying in March.

And – nearly two months on – he is no closer resolving his future.

“I haven’t picked up my cue since I lost that game and I’m not sure what I will do,” he added.

“I have to pay my membership subscriptions in a few weeks so I need to make a decision fairly soon.

“Maybe a couple of weeks down the line, the appetite will come back.”

By JAMES GARRISON