In January 1981, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) accepted Eugene Hughes, Mike Watterson, Paul Medati, Jack Fitzmaurice and Dessie Sheehan were accepted.

Billy Kelly and Mick Fisher applied but were rejected.

[1] In April 1981, a further thirteen players turned professional: Ian Black, Bert Demarco, Jim Donnelly, Clive Everton, Geoff Foulds, Doug French, Matt Gibson, Vic Harris, Dennis Hughes, Billy Kelly, Eddie McLaughlin, Murdo MacLeod and Colin Roscoe, were accepted,[2] but Williamson and Tony Graham were not.

[3] Dean Reynolds, Gary Johnston, and John Phillips were accepted in the September intake, when four players, including Paul Watchorn and Tony Kearney, were unsuccessful with their applications.

[4][5] The top 16 of the world rankings, these players automatically played in the final rounds of the World Snooker Championship and were invited for the Masters.