Robert Milkins’ long-standing professional snooker career is at a crossroads after a challenging Q School campaign failed to secure his place on the main tour. The Gloucester-born player, a familiar figure in the sport since turning professional in 1995, saw his position precariously thin following his exit from the 2026 World Championship, which left him ranked outside the top 64 in the world.
Milkins, who has been a consistent competitor on the elite snooker circuit for nearly three decades, had a notable presence as recently as 2024 when he entered the World Championship at the Crucible as a seeded player and advanced past the first round. However, a decline in form has since caused him to slip down the global rankings.
In an effort to reclaim his tour card, Milkins participated in the Q School events held at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester. Unfortunately, he fell short in both attempts: losing 4-3 to Welsh player Duane Jones in the third round of the first event, and narrowly missing out in the semi-finals of the second event after a 4-3 defeat to China’s Gong Chenzhi, who ultimately won the tournament and secured his own tour return.
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At 50 years old, Milkins now faces an uncertain future outside the professional circuit, marking a significant turning point in his storied snooker career.