Dennis Taylor and other snooker legends trial 'Test to go' app for rapid Covid results as they prepare for World Seniors Snooker Championships at the Crucible 

• Players have been tested for Covid at the World Seniors Snooker Championships
• The testing is being carried out by Excalibur Healthcare Services at The Crucible 
• They are trialling a new app, which gives patients rapid access to their results
• Dennis Taylor and John Virgo are among the legends playing in the tournament  

Snooker legends have been helping with a trial of a new app that allows patients rapid access to their Covid test results. 

The likes of Dennis Taylor, John Virgo and Jimmy White are among those competing at this year's World Seniors Snooker Championships and all were tested by Excalibur healthcare services as they arrived at The Crucible in Sheffield. 

With fans having already returned to the venue as a part of a trial this week that saw a sold-out Championship final, the rapid testing being carried out could represent a key step in the return of fans at large events. 

The test, which has been validated by the Department of Health, allows venues to get a clear indication of the health of visitors. Results are rapid and easily accessible, too, delivered straight to the patient's mobile via the Test to Go app. 

Speaking about the process, Virgo said: 'Myself and the other players are grateful to be able to go ahead with this tournament with the confidence that we are doing so safely. 

'Excalibur’s testing technology is quick, reliable, and very easy to use, allowing us to focus fully on the game.’

Professor Sir Chris Evans, chairman and CEO of Excalibur, added: ‘It’s incredibly exciting to see Excalibur’s technology put to its intended use – getting us back to our favourite events and venues as safely as possible.'  

Snooker has been leading the way in pushing a return to pre-pandemic normaility in the world of sport, with the third session of the World Snooker Championship final between Mark Selby and Shaun Murphy saw a sell-out crowd in Sheffield.

Monday's final two sessions of the 17-day tournament sold out over the weekend with a full house of 980 spectators enjoying the final.

There will be no spectators at the Seniors tournament, which gets underway on Thursday.