Gunnell fears end of career

Shropshire snooker star Adrian Gunnell fears a crippling back injury could bring a premature end to his career. The 34-year-old from Telford developed the pain two weeks ago and has done next to no practice since.

battled through the pain barrier to play in the Pontins international Pro-Am at the weekend, but displayed rustiness by losing 4-2 to Ryan Day.

And now he fears the injury could have such a devastating effect on his career, he may be forced to quit.

"It's been an absolute nightmare," said Gunnell. "I have had a bad back on and off for a few years but it's never been anything like this.

"The pain is unbelievable and I'm like an 80-year-old when I'm walking. I managed one hour's practice on Friday and that showed in the way I played on Saturday.

"I'm really worried because it's not improved even with pain-killers and you wonder whether this might be the end.

"I obviously hope it's not because I would like to finish when I want to rather than because of an injury.

"We will have to see what happens. I have an appointment with my doctor on Monday and will get a referral to a specialist and hopefully get the wheels in motion because it's pointless speculating what it is at the moment.

"It's even got to the stage in the last couple of weeks when I'm banding a few ideas around with people about a future career. But hopefully it will just ease of his own accord and I can get on with it."

Gunnell, however, has vowed to play in the Grand Prix qualifiers in Prestatyn which begin on Saturday September 30.

"I have to go down because I need the ranking points and the money and I'll be there whatever happens, even if it means throwing my arm at a few shots," he added.

By JAMES GARRISON

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