It was recently confirmed by UK Sport that Snooker players have been tested for drugs during the off season. This is the first time snooker players have been tested when they are not in a snooker season. UK Sport conducted five tests between the months of July and September of 2008.

A spokesman for UK Sport commented that although this is the first time they have conducted drug testing in snooker out of season it is not a new method for them. He went on to say that World Snooker has the authority to test players during the season or after. It is in accordance with their anti-doping policy.

The spokesman also stated that a player can be tested if the governing body requests that player be tested. The player does not have to be notified in advance of the testing. Snooker was one of the first sports to implement standardized drug testing back in 1985.

The testing seems to work and the most remembered case is probably Ronnie O’Sullivan. His 1998 Irish Masters title was taken from him after he tested positive for cannabis during the event. It goes to show that even the best can be taken down a notch when drugs are involved.


- 2008-11-04