“I feel over the moon. Every shot, I just want to control my emotions”.
Igor Figueiredo
Introduction
Brazil is probably better known for its superior football and sun-soaked beaches. However, perhaps lesser known is that it is the most popular country within the Pan-American countries for snooker or the hybrid version of the game, Sinuca—played with only one red ball and colours on a much smaller table. A player who has managed to make the transition to snooker is Igor Figueiredo. Someone on the main tour from 2010-2012, 2013-2017 and 2019-2022. A winner of the 2019 WSF Seniors Championship and the 2019 Pan American Snooker Championship, Igor decided to spend his time in Brazil with his wife, Juliana Moraes and his three children, Stephanie, Igor and Elizabeth, in Rio de Janeiro. However, he still plays here and has been closely with Cliff Thorburn to promote the sport. He is also a snooker coach.
The Brazilian Force
Igor is a delight to watch. He is one of the few players who can screw back with ease and is a demon potter. So I was excited to see him back in England for the Mr Vegas World Seniors at the Crucible in Sheffield. A dark horse who motored his way to the final, beating Tessa Davidson 3-1, Jimmy White 3-0 and Tony Drago 4-1. He was a player who lit up the competition with his amazing shots and beaming smile. Reaching the final, he was up against Ken Doherty. The 1997 World champion aimed to add this title to his Under-21, amateur and world championship titles in his 34-year career. An attempt that had already been thwarted by Jimmy White previously.
Ken admitted he was tired from his 17 days at The Crucible doing punditry and commentary for the BBC but still played well to reach the final. Yet, in his way of the title, was the much-slimmed-down Igor. My heart was torn between the two. Although Ken is a friend, my gut feeling went with Igor, which proved correct. Inspired and glorious, Figueiredo produced breaks of 72, 93, and 88 to beat his crafty opponent 5-2. It was a joyful moment for this now World Seniors champion. A moment he savoured as he hugged John Virgo after receiving the trophy from him. His wife is his lucky charm. She accompanied him to the tournament. As the ticker tape falls, Igor can be very proud of his achievements, winning not only the title but also £20,000 and a place in the Champion of Champions. A total cash prize of £32,500, £20,000 for this win plus 12,500 as a qualifier for the Champion of Champions. Congratulations Igor!
Igor Figueiredo
