Education research of sports people

SNOOKER STARS ARE 'THICKEST'

8 June 2006
www.mirror.co.uk

SNOOKER players are the "least intelligent" sports people in the country, according to research.

A study found they have fewer qualifications than stars in 11 other sports.

But this is because top names such as Ronnie O'Sullivan left school before taking their GCSEs to develop their talents.

Most educated were cyclists, many of whom have degrees because their lower earning power calls for a back-up plan.

Education Maintenance Allowance, which awards grants to keep teenagers in education, hopes the study will show the value of having a fall-back.

The league table for brains: 1 Cycling, 2 Golf, 3 Rowing, 4 Athletics, 5 Cricket, 6 Tennis, 7 Rugby Union, 8 Rugby League, 9 Boxing, 10 Horseracing, 11 Football, 12 Snooker.