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			<pubDate>Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:16:36 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>What a difference a week makes</title>
			<description><![CDATA[This time last week I really believed that my World Championship was over before it had even begun. I honestly thought I was going to have to pull out because of the neck injury I’ve been suffering since the China Open. I couldn’t tip my head back without pain in my neck and it was also shooting down my arm. I was so low and feeling absolutely devastated. But now I’m delighted to say that I will be there at the Crucible next Tuesday to take on Barry Hawkins in my first-round match.

I picked up a cue on Monday for the first time since China and played for 45 minutes. Okay, that’s not very long but I didn’t want to overdo it. It is a great start, and I now know I’m going to be in good enough shape for Sheffield. I will step up my practice sessions this week and, by the time next Tuesday comes around, I should be absolutely fine.

The injury started in China. I felt it in my first-round match and couldn’t get down on a shot without excruciating pain. I’d trapped a nerve and it forced me to pull out of the match, something I’ve never done before in my career. I knew I couldn’t make it worse with the Worlds just around the corner, so it was best to stop altogether. I don’t know how this happened, it just did. It could be down to the repetitive motion of being a snooker player, or it could have happened in my sleep. I’ve certainly never had it before.

During the past few weeks I’ve seen a chiropractor in Ipswich seven or eight times and, although it wasn’t getting any worse, it wasn’t getting any better. I went to see another one last week, in Billericay, and she has been brilliant. I’ve been to her three times already and I feel like I’ve been knocked about by Mike Tyson, but it’s working and I know I’m going to be fit and ready going to the Crucible. I feel so much better and more positive than a week ago.

After the final qualifiers had won through at the weekend, I read a lot of quotes from many of them who, when asked who they’d like to draw in the first round, said me! They think I’m going to be there for the taking and that I’m going to struggle, or that I might pull out. Now I hope to prove them wrong.

I might not play well, I might still be suffering a bit with the injury, and I might get beat. But at least I’ll be there to give myself a chance. Just being there is all that matters. And it could turn out to be a blessing. I’ve not been able to practise how I usually would, so that should leave me fresh and in no danger of being burned out. 

The timing is typical, although of course there’s never a good time for something like this to happen. This is the biggest tournament in world, the one you dream of winning as a youngster, the one you really build towards during the whole year. It’s not ideal that I’m going to be short of practice, but I’ve played so many matches this season that I don’t need to practise as much as I would usually. I’ve had a consistent season and been playing really well, and the World Championship always brings the best out of you.

Monday was massive, just being able to play again. Now I know I can concentrate on my match and not think about the last few weeks. I’m confident in my ability and I will have right mindset, whether I’ve practised enough or not. Who knows, I could go on and win it after all this.

Hawkins is a tough opponent to face, there’s no doubt about that. He’s been a top-16 player, he’s been at the Crucible before and won’t be going there blind like a lot of the debutants will. He is one of hardest match-players out there. But I won’t feel under any pressure, and I don’t believe the past few weeks will have a negative impact on me. On the contrary, I know that, come Tuesday, I will be fit and ready to play, and all I will be concentrating on will be winning my match.

I’m full of confidence now, completely the opposite to just a week ago, and if I play to my potential there’s no reason why I can’t go on and lift the title. Bring it on!]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:00:33 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Ally Pally here I come</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Happy New Year to you all, although it is rather belated. But better late than never. It’s a new era for the Masters as well, as the tournament moves to Alexandra Palace after 33 years at Wembley.

I have some fantastic memories of the Masters during the past four years. It was where I won my first title as a professional in 2008. In 2009 I reached the final again, and then I was back in 2010 to lift the coveted crown once more. It’s a wonderful tournament and I will always have a special connection with it.

But just because we have moved to the Ally Pally now does not mean an end to those happy memories. In fact, I hope it can be the start of some new ones.

I’ve been to the Ally Pally before to watch the darts and I’ve seen some of the snooker there on TV the last couple of days. It looks a great venue and I’m excited to be playing there. I love playing at the Masters, the one-table atmosphere makes it feel like the latter stages of a tournament and they are conditions I thrive in.

The top 16 players in the world are there and, even though it’s a non-ranking event, it is one of the most prestigious. Stephen Hendry used to rank it as second only to the World Championship – and he won at Wembley six times. I’m sure the Ally Pally will feel different but, when it comes down to it, it’s still a 12 x 6ft table with the same amount of balls and the same amount of pockets.

I play Stephen Lee in the first round on Wednesday. He’s a very fluent, attacking player and has shown glimpses of his old form during the last 18 months. He’s won four ranking titles but I’ve always felt he’s under-achieved in his career. It was Stephen I beat in the final to win my first Masters so I’ll definitely look back at 2008 and take inspiration from that win. Hopefully it will be the start of another great run...

++++++++

I’m delighted to be have been nominated once again in the Leicester Mercury Sports Awards, in the Sportsman of the Year category. 

I’ve been nominated the last few years but never won, I’ve always been pipped at the post. Some top names have won it down the years and it would be a marvellous achievement for me to win because Leicester has some great sportsmen. I would feel very proud.

The ceremony is on Thursday night and, fingers crossed, I won’t be able to make it. I don’t mean that ungratefully, it just means that I’ll still be in the Masters! If I get past the first round I play my second-round game on Friday, so I will need to prepare hard for it. As much as I would like to be at the Mercury Awards, the Masters has got to be my priority and I’m sure everyone will understand that. Especially if I bring the trophy back to Leicester on Sunday!

I hope everyone has a great night, and good luck to Willie Thorne who is the host for the evening.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Dec 2011 18:04:26 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Everyone wants to beat the world No.1</title>
			<description><![CDATA[I know that when I walk out to face Ryan Day in my first-round match of the UK Championship on Sunday, I’m going to be a marked man. That comes with the territory of being world No.1, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

It’s a massive honour to be the No.1 player in the world, and something I wanted ever since I was young. And I’m fully aware of what an elite group I have joined. That there have been only nine players who have held the distinction since the rankings started in 1976 says a lot.

I’m also aware that I’m the only world No.1 to have never won either the World or UK Championship. I hope that has changed by next weekend.

It’s a tough opener against Ryan who, for me, is still a top-16 players, even though he’s slipped down the rankings a bit. But I think he’s showing the kind of form that took him to several finals over the last few years, so I don’t expect any easy ride.

No match is easy, and I’m sure now that I’m No.1 a lot of the players will see beating me as a massive scalp. I’ve already noticed that a lot of them seem to raise their game against me recently. When I’ve lost matches this season, I feel like I’ve been playing pretty well, but it’s just that my opponent has played outstanding snooker. Typical!

I put enough pressure on myself, and always go into a tournament determined to try my best. Every time I go out, I play to win. I know I’m expected to win now that I’m No.1, but it doesn’t matter what the rankings or other people say, I just ignore it and concentrate on my own game.

I look on it as being a good thing that I’m one of the favourites for the title. Being No.1 shows I’ve been consistent, even if I’ve not been winning titles left, right and centre. But it shows that I’m always in contention and that, sooner or later, I will win.

The UK Championship is, in my opinion, the second biggest tournament after the World Championship. I know some people think the Masters is the second biggest, but the UK is a ranking tournament and has been won by some great names down the years. It’s definitely one I want to win, and I’ll be trying my hardest to do so this week.

*Picture courtesy of the Leicester Mercury]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:08:46 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>I know, it's been a while...</title>
			<description><![CDATA[It really was about time I posted another blog, I’ve gone off the boil lately and you have my sincere apologies. I get so much positive feedback from people who say they enjoy reading it, so I promise I will try and get back up to speed.

In my defence, it’s been a pretty hectic few months. As well as getting married and buying a new house, I’ve been here, there and everywhere playing snooker. Although I’m not complaining. As I’ve said many times, I’m delighted to be so busy doing something I love. It’s a great privilege.

Everything is coming together nicely at the moment. Married life is fantastic and, as a result, my snooker is going really well too. I couldn’t be happier.

I won the Paul Hunter Classic in Germany last weekend, beating Mark Davis 4-0 in the final. I went there not playing particularly great, and had lost in the PTC in Sheffield the week before. I decided to just go to Germany and enjoy it. I felt relaxed and didn’t want to take anything for granted, or try too hard. And it worked! I didn’t drop a frame until the quarter-finals and was really pleased with the way I played throughout the event.

It was beginning to feel like a long time since I had last lifted a trophy. I won the Wuxi Classic earlier in the season but, even though it’s a great tournament, it is only an invitational event.

I fly out to China again today for the Shanghai Masters. My first-round match is on Tuesday night against either my old mate Nigel Bond or Thanawat Thirapongpaiboon. If I do well in China and get to the latter stages (which is the plan!), it’s then straight back on a plane to fly to South America for the Brazil Masters.

The fact that we’re playing in Brazil is amazing and just shows what a fantastic job Barry Hearn is doing. I never thought I’d see the day when we played in Australia, and now next up is Brazil. It’s incredible!

I don’t know much about Brazil, except they have those amazing carnivals and that they’re pretty good at football ;-) But that’s about all I know, so it’s going to be very exciting. I don’t think you’ll catch me flexing my ball skills on the beach though, footy was never really my game.

So I go to China and Brazil high on confidence. I’m really enjoying my snooker at the moment, and I put that down to married life. Nothing has really changed that much, but the extra stability is a great feeling, and everything feels so much more special.

Vikki hasn’t started putting her foot down – yet! But then she knows it’s useless to badger me into household chores and DIY. A couple of days ago, she went to the hairdresser and ‘suggested’ I trim the hedge in the garden while she was out.

After thinking it over for as long as I could, I decided to do it. So I got the electric shears and started off easily enough. But after about 20 minutes my concentration went and I was starting to get bored, wishing it would hurry up when . . . and you can guess what’s coming here can’t you . . . yes, I cut straight through the wire! It blew the fuse box in the house!

When Vikki got back, the look on her face just said: “Why did I let him do it in the first place!” I think it might have got me out of that kind of stuff in the future!

We picked up the keys to our new house this week, but we will have to wait until I get back from this latest round of travels before we can move. It is just what we were looking for, and we fell in love with it straight away. We love to socialise so it will be great having friends and family around. There is room for a snooker table too, but I’ve always enjoyed leaving the house for work so I won’t be getting one at home. It’s good to be able to switch off from snooker when you walk through the front door.

Anyway, that’s enough from me for now. Again, sorry I haven’t blogged in a while, but there will be more from me soon.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:25:02 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>A big thank you...</title>
			<description><![CDATA[We had a great time at our wedding reception on Saturday, and we would just like to thank everyone for making it extra special for me and Vikki.

We would like to thank Tom from Jigsaw for doing out the room at the Walkers Stadium, it looked fantastic!

Also thanks to Tina for doing the photography throughout the night, and to Adam Thomas and the DJ for some great music.

Thank you to everyone for coming and for the lovely gifts, and a big and final thank you to everyone who helped with the wedding and reception – they know who they are, and we both really appreciate it!

That sounds more like an Oscars speech! I know it's not the longest blog entry in the world, so more from me soon.

PS To see the video of me singing on stage with Adam, go to: www.adamthomasonline.com]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 08:26:53 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Keep on running</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The wait is almost over. The World Championship started on Saturday but I’ve had to be patient waiting for my first-round match to start. Finally it’s here as, tomorrow night, I get my campaign under way against Jimmy Robertson. Hopefully it will be the start of a 13-day run that will end with me lifting that fantastic trophy.

I’ve never felt in better shape either, both mentally and physically. In the semi-final against Graeme Dott last year, and in the 2007 final against John Higgins, I simply ran out of steam. People may think being a snooker player you don’t need to be fit, it’s just walking around a table. But to be mentally fit you need to be physically fit, if you are in good shape you are bound to have an advantage in the longer matches than someone who hasn’t.

So I’ve taken up running, and I’m really enjoying it. I’ve been wanting to do something away from the table for some time now, other than living and breathing snooker like I have done for the last few years.

Running will help me cope with the longer-duration matches and, if I get to the semi or final again this year, hopefully I will have a lot more energy left.

Last year I thought I was in good shape but I wasn’t. Against Dott, I went into players lounge before the final session of the match to meet and greet friends and family, and I sat down and my legs felt like I’d just ran a marathon. I was physically and mentally drained, I felt like I had nothing left to give.

I’ve reached two finals and two semis in the past two months and I’m up to a career-high No.3 in the world rankings, so I’m obviously doing something right. Although I’ve yet to get over the line and lift a trophy this season, if I keep knocking on the door it will only be a matter of time.

Since losing my Masters title in January, I’ve had a really good run of form. I haven’t been doing anything differently, I think it’s just that my mental aspect has changed, doing a lot of running has made me feel better within myself.

I went into last year’s tournament in the best form I’d ever been in, playing well and confident, but I came up short. My mental attitude and approach is better this time around and, with the improvement on the physical side as well, I feel it has given me a better chance than last year.

I’m looking really forward to it and I can’t wait to get out into that amazing arena. Watching it on the TV these past few days, all it makes me want to do is get out there. Let the games begin.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Wed, 09 Feb 2011 19:20:04 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Speed is of the essence</title>
			<description><![CDATA[There isn’t much time to catch breath before the Welsh Open starts next week, and that’s a good thing for me. After reaching the final of the German Masters, it means I go to Newport fresh and full of confidence.

It’s a quick turnaround, but speed may be of the essence for me at the moment. I have a reputation has a dogged fighter with a never-say-die attitude, and I’ve certainly had my fair share of dramatic comebacks.

I almost pulled off another fightback against Mark Williams in Berlin. I was 7-4 down in the final but got it back to 7-7. I had a chance but I didn’t take it, and he went on to win the next two frames and the title. Who knows what could have been?

Other than the final, and against Graeme Dott in the semis, I had a good, quick start in all my matches and led from the front. But more often than not I am a slow starter, and sometimes that can cost me. I can be over-cautious, trying to be too careful and not make any errors. Sometimes I play not to lose, rather than play to win, and that stops me from performing to the best of my ability. You can’t lose a match in the first two or three frames, so I need to start off more relaxed and get myself into a commanding position, rather than playing catch-up.

I will certainly go to Wales in relaxed mood. My confidence was in a bit of limbo after I lost my Masters title last month. I was gutted after losing in the first round at Wembley, and to bounce back so quickly, especially in a ranking event, is a massive boost.

I went into the Masters putting too much pressure on myself as defending champion, and that certainly played a part in the defeat. But although it left me feeling fragile and lacking self-belief, it meant I went to Germany with no expectations and no pressure, and to get to the final was just reward for all the hard work I put in on the practice table.

If you’d said before the week started that I would get to the final in Germany, I would have snapped your hand off. Of course I was disappointed to lose against Mark, but there were more positives that came out of it than negatives. And I don’t feel I played that well in final, he was definitely the better player overall.

Getting to the final also pushed me back up the latest rankings list, to No.4, so it shows I must be doing something right at the moment, that I’m going in the right direction. I hope to take that good form to Newport next week.

I’ve got good memories of playing in Wales, and I always seem to play well there. Obviously there’s the Welsh Open win in 2008, my first (and hopefully not last) ranking title. But I used to enjoy all the qualifiers at Prestatyn when I was starting out, so it will be good to go back. It’s a short format this year too, with every match up to the last 16 the best of seven frames, so it could be anybody’s.

+++

Just a quick word about our wedding, it’s not long now until May. Me and Vicki were able to go shopping this week for some of the last few bits and pieces, and all the plans are coming on very nicely :)

+++

Malcolm Thorne’s funeral was held in Leicester last week. It was a very sad day, but there was a great turnout for him. It just shows what a top guy he was and how much he meant to so many people. There was an obituary in the local paper with some very nice tributes: http://bit.ly/gVWtDg

He will be very sadly missed.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jan 2011 09:56:25 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Back where I belong</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Walking out into that Wembley Arena tomorrow as Masters champion will be a fantastic occasion. Having been in the last three finals and lifting that coveted title twice, I really feel as if it is my tournament. That’s not me being over-confident, it’s just the way I feel about a tournament that I love playing in.

I’ve got a great record there and I feel very privileged to have won one title, never mind two. It’s such a prestigious tournament with a fantastic history, and some of the world’s greatest players have won it. I love the atmosphere there too – last year’s final was the best I’ve ever played in.

A few of the players don’t like it so much, because the crowd can get noisy, probably noisier than at any other tournament on the circuit, especially when the London lads like Ronnie and Jimmy are playing. But it doesn’t bother me, maybe because I’m more used to that kind of thing because of my background playing pool. I love the one-table set-up too, it really suits my game. Every time I walk out there to play, no matter what round it is, I feel like I’m in a final.

As defending champion, I know I’m there to be shot at, I’m the hunted one. That doesn’t put any more pressure on me, it just means I will take it one match at a time. I play Mark King in the first round, and that will be tough. He is a difficult opponent and a great match-player, but I know that if I go into it with my A game, I can beat him.

I had the perfect start to the new year by winning the opening group in the Championship League. It was a tough group with six of the top eight players in the world involved, so it was a no-brainer to play in it. In one way I wouldn’t have minded if I was still in it because it would mean I could carry on sharpening my game against some top players, but winning was the perfect start to the new year.

I’m always confident going into the Masters, but this was a brilliant boost and I hope I will be lifting that prestigious title once again a week tomorrow.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Mon, 29 Nov 2010 19:13:16 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Back on cue</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Hello everyone, sorry it’s been such a long time since I last wrote a blog, but it really has been quite manic. I don’t know whether I’m coming or going at the best of times, so you can imagine what it’s been like recently with all these tournaments! The UK Championship starts for me on Saturday so I was determined to get one done before then, because I know a lot of you like to read what I’m up to, and that so many of you follow me on Facebook and Twitter. I can only apologise and hope this makes up for it (there’s certainly plenty for me to talk about!)

The reason I have been so busy is because of the PTC events. I entered all 12 of them and was determined to fulfil that obligation. It paid off because, as well as winning the second one, I finished second in the Order of Merit table and qualified for the finals in Dublin next March. My aim was to finish in the top eight so I’m really pleased with that, although at the same time I’m a bit gutted not to have finished first.

My fellow Leicester pros Tom Ford and Joe Jogia have also qualified for the PTC Finals, which is brilliant for them and for our city. Everyone in Leicester has known for years how good they are, so for them to be there is great. Joe did ever so well to seal the last finals place by reaching the semis in Prague, while Tom won the third event which was fantastic for him.

Michael Holt, a good mate and practice partner of mine, won the title in Prague, his first as a pro. I was absolutely chuffed to bits for him. He beat me along the way, but as soon as I lost there was no-one else who I wanted to win other than him. He’s had a tough time recently so I was really pleased for him. He’s definitely under-achieved in the past, so hopefully this will be the start of things for him. Winning also got him into the last 24 too, so it’s great for him.

The PTCs have been brilliant and I’ve really enjoyed them. The venues have been spot-on and, although some of the conditions in the European tournaments have not been quite what we’re used to, like the set-up of the tables, it’s hard to fault them. And the fact that there were 12 different winners says it all.

The travelling does take some getting used to though, and I will be honest and say that it is catching up with me a bit, so it will be nice to have a bit of time off after the UK Championships next week.

My first-round match is on Saturday and there’s no doubt I’ll go to Telford with plenty of match practice under my belt, thanks to the PTCs. I’ll also arrange some practice matches with Jamie Cope and Holty for this week, so that should stand me in good stead too.

I love the UK, and it will be good to get back to playing snooker over the longer format. All these quickfire versions are great, but they do take some getting used to, so to be back playing a best-of-17 instead of a best-of-seven will be nice. You just can’t beat the bigger tournaments, they’re a better test of skill and I’ve always said they suit my game more. The shorter matches can be a bit of a lottery but, in a match that is over two sessions, there is always time to play yourself out of trouble, should you find yourself 3-0 down. Hopefully that won’t happen this weekend.

I’ve got a fairly decent record in the UK, but of course I’ve never won it. I reached the quarters last year and there is no need for me to tell you that I want to go even further. It’s right up there with the World Championship and the Masters as trophies every player wants to lift. It would also be a fantastic way to end the year, and it would be a massive boost ahead of my Masters defence in January.

I’ll also be unveiling my new black dinner suit, which I had measured up for me in London last week. I usually get pair of trousers and then a different waistcoat that doesn’t really match, so it will be nice to have a specially-made one.

+++

I was pleased to see John Higgins return to action. He made his comeback from a six-month ban at the penultimate PTC event in Germany, and he had a very good welcome. Like a lot of the players, I shook his hand and said welcome back. The crowd gave him a good reception, which was good because it would have been really hard for him. And to win the title on his comeback was just phenomenal.

+++

I was disappointed not to make the Premier League semi-finals. I lost my final match to Ronnie O’Sullivan and that allowed Neil Robertson to qualify ahead of me. I had a chance in the first frame against Ronnie but didn’t take it, and he played well so that was that. I’ve always said though, that if I lose but had a chance, then fair enough.

Ronnie went on to win the title for the ninth time, it’s obviously a tournament he enjoys. I’m sure it would have been special for him to win a trophy in front of his dad, who was released from prison last week. All his career, his dad wasn’t there to see him pick up trophies, and now he will be with him at all the tournaments it might be an even bigger incentive for Ronnie. He’s hard to beat at the best of times, and having his dad around now could have a positive impact on his snooker.

+++

The plus side of missing out on the Premier League semis meant that I had a weekend off. It seems like forever since I last had one of those, so I got to spend some time with Vikki. There are wedding plans to be sorted, we’ve got a date in mind, but we don’t want to say more than that until everything is finalised. All I can say is that it will be next year.

+++

A rare treat: I have been invited to the BBC Sports Personality of the Year and this time I can go! I’ve been invited the last few years but have never been able to make it because it always clashed with the UK Championships. But not this year. So me and Vik will put our glad-rags on and rub shoulders with some of sport’s big names – it will be fantastic.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Oct 2010 07:16:04 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Power play</title>
			<description><![CDATA[I had a rare day off on Monday so me and Vikki went to Ipswich to see her family. It was nice to get away and have a bit of time off from snooker – I never thought I’d hear myself say that 12 months ago! But now it’s straight back to work on the practice table because the action is still coming thick and fast.

This weekend is going to be hectic, to say the least. On Friday, I play my first-round match in the EPTC event in Gloucester against Kyren Wilson. Then it’s an overnight drive down to London for the new Power Snooker event at the O2 Arena. I play Ali Carter in the first round on Saturday afternoon and, hopefully, I will go all the way to the Grand Final. The only downside is that, should I go all the way on Saturday and I win my match on Friday, it’s back in the car for another overnight drive to Gloucester to carry on in the EPTC event! Thankfully Mukesh is driving so I should be able to get some sleep on the way there.

I’m really looking forward to Power Snooker, the short, quickfire format will certainly be different. I’m delighted to have been invited to take part and I will be going there to win. I can’t say yet whether it will work long-term or not, we will have to wait and see. But it will definitely be a lot of fun.

Another tournament I’m licking my lips at is the Brazilian Masters next year. It’s fantastic that we’re going to a country like that, it shows how far we’ve come in the last eight or nine months. I didn’t think there would be much interest in snooker over there, but apparently they’re really into it, so hopefully it will go well. I hope I play in it because it’s a country I’ve always wanted to visit. But I wonder if they’ll play their snooker like they do their football – on the beach!

Short-format tournaments like Power Snooker are interesting and create a lot of buzz, which is good for the game. There has been some debate lately about the World Championships, with some players saying the final should be shortened or the duration of the tournament reduced. I understand where they are coming from, but I don’t go along with it – it is what it is because it’s the World Championships. It’s the pinnacle of our sport and what makes it great is the test of duration over those 17 days. The only thing I would maybe consider is making the first couple of rounds a few frames shorter, and also starting the sessions in the final earlier than they do at the moment. Snooker fans love the game and I don’t think they are too bothered about how long the tournament goes on for, in fact, the longer they can see the top players in action, the better. No, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

I reached the quarter-finals of the last EPTC event in Russelsheim, and in the PTC event in Sheffield before that, so I know I am playing consistently well. I’m on top of the Order of Merit too, which is very satisfying. It would be great to win another event though. I lost to Liang Wenbo in Germany, he knocked in three centuries and two 60s – when someone is playing like that against you, there’s not a lot you can do about it. A lot of my defeats this season have been that way, so as long as I’m knocking on the door like I have been, I’m happy enough.

It was good to see Marcus Campbell win. He is probably still best known for beating Stephen Hendry 9-0 in the first round of the UK Championships in 1998, and it is fair to say he has under-achieved since then. But all the players know how good a player he is, so it’s no surprise that he won.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Thu, 07 Oct 2010 17:48:02 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>It's all go!</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Sorry that it’s been such a long time since I last wrote a blog, I’ve been a bit busy being a professional snooker player!

It’s been a very, very hectic season so far, but you won’t hear me complaining about it because it’s what all we players wanted. We were fed up of being part-time players and now we are in action almost every week. It’s brilliant.

I’ve got the Premier League tonight, playing Ding Junhui in Brentwood. Hopefully I can follow up my win over world champion Neil Robertson last week. Then it’s straight off to Sheffield for the fifth PTC event this weekend, and then there’s the sixth one next weekend. It’s all go!

I won’t lie and say it’s been easy adapting to this new schedule, because it has been difficult. Each day it’s get up, practise, practise more and then go home, or travelling to one tournament or another almost every weekend. It’s important to have a home life and to rest and relax, and it is taking some time getting used to it. But it’s about being able to manage it, and it’s early days so, by next season, I’m sure I’ll have found the right balance. 

I’ve been pleased with my form so far this season. I had a great start but I need to be more consistent. I reached the semi-finals in Shanghai but then went and lost early on in the World Open to Barry Hawkins. It’s a great format, but it can be a bit of a lottery. But never mind, I will look forward to doing better next year.

Overall I feel as if I’ve done well. I’d give myself 7 out of 10 so far. There are only a few players who have been more consistent than me. I’ve been a bit hot and cold, but I guess I’m just trying not to burn myself out, especially with the UK Championship and Masters to look forward to.

I’m safely in the top 16 of the rankings so there’s no danger of me not being at either tournament. I’m particularly pleased that I’ll go back to Wembley as the No.1 seed to defend my Masters title.

Some players don’t like the new ranking system but I’m all for it, it keeps you on your toes. If you are struggling, it makes you work hard to improve. And on the flip side, if your current form is good, you are rewarded well. It took me 10 years to get into the top 16, but these days players could achieve that much quicker because of the new system, and I agree with that.

+++

As I’m sure you are away, I got engaged to Vikki recently. We haven’t made any concrete plans as yet, but we are looking at getting married next year. I’ve got to wait for next season’s calendar to be announced and see what is available, and hopefully Barry Hearn will give me a sneak preview so I can figure out which weekend is free!

We are both really, really happy and I know I’ve got a real winner in Vikki, I’m very lucky. And I’d just like to say thank you to everyone for all your kind messages on my Facebook and Twitter pages.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:35:48 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>On top of the World</title>
			<description><![CDATA[I’ve lost top spot in the PTC Order of Merit, but hopefully it won’t be too long before I get it back! Barry Pinches beat Ronnie O’Sullivan in the final of the fourth event in Sheffield, meaning I drop down to second. The next one starts in October so I hope I can win that one, to add to my victory in the second event, and get back on top of the pile.

I lost 4-0 against Ronnie in the last 32. I didn’t play brilliantly, but he did play well, to be fair! I’d done okay in my first two games, beating Anda Zhang 4-2 and Dave Harold 4-1. But then I came unstuck against Ronnie, so I’ll have to wait until the next time to get my revenge over him.

The are good little competitions and are a great bonus if you win one. But essentially what they provide is good match practice leading up to the bigger tournaments.

The first ‘major’ of the season is the Shanghai Masters in September, and I hope to carry on the good form I have shown in the past couple of months. As well as winning a PTC, I also won the Six Reds World Championship in Thailand.

Mind you, having done so well already I’m a bit worried that I might have played myself out of form! I hope that’s not the case.

Playing in all these tournaments has meant I’ve got a lot more match-practice under my belt, and that has got to be much better than not playing at all, which was mostly the case last season.

I was over the moon to win the Six Reds. Even though a lot of the big names were missing, it was still a hard title to win. There were plenty of good players involved. And anything that has ‘world’ before it can’t be bad. It’s just a shame no ranking points were available.

The trophy has been on pride of place in the lounge at home, but I can’t keep milking it so it has been put away now. I don’t want to keep looking at it because, if it’s not there, it gives me the incentive to go out and win another one to put in its place.

Next up is a trip to Furth in Germany for the first of the Euro Players Tour championships. It is a hectic schedule at the moment but I’m not knocking it at all, it’s great to be so busy.

I’m really looking forward to going back to Shanghai too. One thing that will help will be the experience of winning the Six Reds. The conditions in China will be very hard, just like they were in Bangkok. The tables are not easy to play and the humidity can get to you.

Hopefully, that will stand me in good stead in China and give me an edge over the other players. I know what to expect. The standard is so high that anyone can beat you but, if I play like I have been doing these past few weeks, I’m sure I will come through it.

*Picture courtesy of the Leicester Mercury]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:16:30 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Celebrate good times</title>
			<description><![CDATA[It was important to have won the second PTC event in Sheffield last weekend. The season is in full swing and it’s great to have added another professional title to my list of achievements. It’s also crucial because it means I’ve already got a decent total of ranking points in the Order of Merit, which does have an impact on the main rankings.

I can’t understand why some players have not entered the first two events, they are only going to be playing catch-up from now on. The rankings now are based on current form so, while that means more pressure to perform, it is good for the players, especially the lower-ranked ones.

They’ve now got more incentive to do well because, if they won a PTC event, they would shoot up whereas before a good run in a tournament would not necessarily mean a high climb up the list.

Theoretically the best players should still come through the PTC events, but they will all be on their toes because they are tough events and anything can happen, which means I’m double delighted to have won this one.

I’m off to Thailand this weekend for the 6 Reds tournament. It’s a great event with a fantastic format, wonderful hotel, brilliant fans and so many players from all over the world. It is a truly global event.

I appeared in the first 6 Reds two years ago but got knocked out in the last 32. That gave me time to do a bit of sightseeing around a fascinating country. However, I hope I don’t have any time for sightseeing this year because that will mean I’m doing well in the tournament. I definitely want to go further than 2008, because it’s a long way to go for nothing.

+++

It was really encouraging to see Reanne Evans making her professional debut at the PTC event last weekend. She’s won the World Championship six times and is definitely good enough, so I’m all for it. She’s achieved so much in the women’s game and will be a dangerous player. I wish her the best of luck.

+++

I’ve had a poem written about me, now someone has made a song about me! Bryan Claasz, a musician from Leicester, has penned the Mark Selby Snooker Song – I’ve heard it and, while I don’t think it’s going to trouble the top of the charts, it does make for a very interesting listen! The song can be bought online, or you can hear it at Bryan’s MySpace page.

It’s nice when people are doing things like this about you, because it shows that you’re doing well. It’s all good exposure.

I don’t have any musical ambitions of my own though. Although I’m partial to the odd bit of karaoke, I don’t think I’ve got it in me to actually write a song. I’d rather leave that to someone like Kasabian – it would be fantastic if they recorded a snooker song. Come on boys...

+++

I’ve finally done it! Two years after promising I was going to start running regularly, I’ve eventually started doing it and I am now officially “in training” – although for what I’m still not sure!

I’ve got a running machine installed at home and I’m doing about two-and-a-half miles a day. I did go running around the streets at first but I went so far from the house I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to find my way back!

It helps keep me fit and gives me something else to do away from the snooker table. I’ve always been conscious that I don’t have enough hobbies so, with this and the golf, I should have plenty to keep me occupied.

Who knows, maybe one day I’ll follow the example of Ricky Walden and run a marathon, although I think the only chance I’ve got at the moment of doing one would be in a car!

+++

It’s Vikki’s birthday today. I’ve got a few surprises in store for her and we’re going to see James Morrison in concert in Leicester tonight. I’ve also got her tickets to see Will Young. It’s also our fourth anniversary today, making it a double celebration. Altogether now ... aaaaah! Happy Birthday Vik x]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:59:13 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Grateful for a summer job</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The first event of the Players Tour Championship starts next week at the Sheffield Academy. It will be strange playing a tournament in July that’s not in China or Europe, but I can’t wait for it to start – even though I don’t quite know what to expect.

I know there’s a decent turnout for it, and you would think there ought to be. We’ve been crying out for more tournaments, it’s what we want and now we’ve got them, so I expect them to be well supported. I for one intend to enter all of the PTC events.

Each match is a short format, the best of seven frames, so there are bound to be plenty of upsets. But it’s going to be entertaining, and it gives the players valuable match-practice. Some probably suffered last season because we only had seven tournaments, they weren’t playing regularly enough and that affects your game. But that shouldn’t be an issue now, so it’s in every player’s interests to take part, especially as we’re playing for ranking points as well. They’re also performance-related, so we’re being made to work for our money, which is very much a good thing.

Barry Hearn is now firmly installed as the man in charge and he’s full of ideas on how to improve snooker, the PTC being one of the first. We’ve definitely got the right man behind us.

+++

You cannot have escaped the fact that the World Cup is very much under way in South Africa. I watched the England game against the USA and, while I didn’t think the performance was very good, I was happy with the draw. I think we’ll beat Algeria in our next game on Friday and then win against Slovenia to make it into the second round, then we can take it from there.

It hasn’t been the best of starts to the tournament for any of the teams, although I thought Germany looked good against Australia. Switzerland beating Spain was a big shock, especially for Jose who owns the club I practise at! He’s from Spain and he’s had to deal with a bit of stick from some of the lads. He said he wanted to paint a Spanish flag on the ceiling of the club but we all told him it should be a Swiss flag instead! He wasn’t very happy!

+++

I took part in a darts exhibition last week which involved Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor and Jamie Caven, a pro from Leicester.

I played one leg of 501 against Phil and, predictably, I lost. I also played two legs against Jamie and, even though I lost both, I gave a good account of myself, hitting a couple of 140s and a 100.

Taylor is a legend and we spoke quite a bit on the night, it’s the first time I’ve ever been able to have a proper chat with him. I’m going to spend a day with him soon, see what makes him tick and how he does things. You can’t argue with his list of achievements and his mindset towards the game, so it will be interesting to see what he does and I’m sure I can learn something from him.

He gave me a set of darts and I gave him a cue, and I want to return the favour and play him at snooker – a chance to get some revenge! I’ve heard he’s pretty good on the snooker table so that’s something else we’ll have to fix up. Watch this space.

+++

It’s my birthday on Saturday and I will be 27. I haven’t got anything special planned, I think I will just do something quiet with Vikki. I don’t get excited about birthdays any more, I’d prefer it if I was getting younger!

But without wanting to get too deep on you, it’s given me a chance to take stock of where I am in life. When I started out as a pro, I said if I was still battling to make it at 26 or 27, struggling to qualify for tournaments, then I would knock it on the head. Thankfully I’ve reached most of my goals – I’m in the top 16, I’ve won tournaments and I’m a regular contender, so I think I’ll be carrying on for a bit longer yet! And as far as my personal life goes, these are good times. I’m in a good place at the moment.

+++

My last word is on the state of my golf. Last time I played I went round 18 holes in 123, and you’d think it couldn’t get any worse than that. I played yesterday with my mate Ady, who’s a decent player and went round in 95. But as for me, it was so bad that I gave up counting after the first nine holes! I think I need some lessons...

(Photo of Mark, Phil Taylor and Jamie Caven is courtesy of the Leicester Mercury)]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Sat, 29 May 2010 10:29:43 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Rival bid could pose a dilemma</title>
			<description><![CDATA[I was surprised to hear that an alternative bid to Barry Hearn’s plans for the future of snooker will be presented next week. I understand John Davison is behind it, and I know he tried to launch something similar with the Altium group several years ago.

This could potentially create a dilemma for me, as well as all the other players who will have to wait until next week’s EGM to discover what Davison is proposing. I won’t be making up my mind until I see exactly what is on the table. I know what Barry is proposing, and I know he would do a great job and that he’s got a lot of support, and that it will be difficult to go against what he has already proposed. But as of now, I’m still undecided. I’m going to wait and see what this rival bid is about and, until then, I don’t intend to put all my eggs in one basket.

You can read more about Davison and his rival bid at Dave Hendon’s blog: http://www.snookerscene.blogspot.com/

+++

I’ve been back from holiday for only a week but I’m getting back on a plane on Monday when I travel to China for the Wuxi Classic. It’s a straight knock-out and I’m playing Tian Pengfei in the first round. You might remember he beat Ronnie O’Sullivan in the China Open a couple of months ago, when Ronnie missed that controversial black.

It should be a good game and I’m looking forward to it. I got to the final two years ago but lost to Ding Junhui, so hopefully I can go one better this time. I always enjoy playing in China, there are always big crowds watching and I get a real buzz from it.

I’m suitably rested now after my run to the semis at the Crucible. I’m still gutted that I lost to Graeme Dott but I’ve put it behind me and moved on. I had a great run to the semis and, looking back, it was a good tournament for me. And Graeme played especially well, probably the best he has done for several years. I think he ran out of steam a bit in the final, but Neil Robertson was a very worthy winner.

My holiday I Spain was really good. Me and Vikki went for two weeks with her parents and had a great time. We travelled about during the first weeks, visiting places like Valencia and Benidorm. Madrid and Barcelona were a bit too far away, so maybe I’ll see those next time I’m there. 

The food in Spain is brilliant. In fact, we never stopped eating! We were eating three meals a day and I must have put on 10 stones! But I weighed myself when I got back home and I’m still under my recommended weight, so I don’t know how that happened!

Since I got back I’ve been practising a bit ahead of China. But I also dusted off my golf clubs after four years of threatening to do so! And it showed! I played 18 holes with Mukesh and Ben Woollaston and I really wasn’t very good. I went round in 123! Ben got home in 99 but Muke was the worst, doing it in 137! Lol.

I must have lost eight or 10 balls in the first nine holes, I think I need SatNav! But I really got into it and can’t wait to play again, although I don’t think Tiger Woods needs to worry just yet. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and I’ve always been a bit envious when golf days come around that lots of snooker players take part in, and I haven’t been able to. Well, now I want to get good enough so that I can join in too.

It is such a hard, frustrating sport though. And it’s really nerve-wracking when you hit that first ball off the first tee with everyone watching. I like to watch golf on TV and, playing it, it makes you realise how good those pros are. It made me appreciate what it’s like for people who watch me play snooker but who then find it so hard to do when they try and play. I think I need some lessons though before I fall into too many bad habits, and I’ll be really happy if I can go around 18 holes in 80-odd. That’s my mission from now, so watch this space!]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Wed, 21 Apr 2010 10:43:05 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>It's a great feeling to win, just ask the Nugget!</title>
			<description><![CDATA[It was great to see Steve Davis roll back the years and win last night, although he must have felt a bit shaky in that deciding frame against Mark King! It’s great for snooker and I’m really chuffed for him, it’s a massive achievement for someone who is 52. I’d be happy to still be walking at that age!

As far as my own game is concerned, it’s a great feeling to still be left in the tournament. Although I will have had to wait a week before my match against Stephen Hendry starts, I’d rather that than not be involved at all. There’s nothing worse than having to sit at home watching it on the TV knowing you’re not a part of it any more.

The tournament really kicks in now, the second week is when it really starts. You feel like a part of it and you play every day without a gap. A week off is a long time but I don’t mind it, I’m still in the tournament and that’s all that matters.

I feel I played the perfect match in my first-round win against Ken Doherty. I punished him when I had the chances and my safety game was very good. I don’t feel as though I could have done any better than that. And if I play like that and maintain that standard throughout whole tournament, I’m good enough to win it.

Ken said in his press conference after the match that I could be the “next John Higgins”. It’s great to be compared to Higgins, he’s the reigning world champion and he’s got the best all-round game at the moment. To be mentioned in same breath as him is a massive compliment.

Next up is Hendry, another former world champion. Although he has won it seven times, and it just doesn’t get better than that. I’m really looking forward to playing him, it will be a great challenge. He has dominated the Crucible over the years and it’s pretty much like his home. He raises his game when he goes to Sheffield, and he produces the goods when questions are asked of him.

He didn’t have it as easy he would probably have liked against Zhang Anda, who took him to a deciding frame in their first-round match. But he will be pleased to get through and, after all, it is only one game.

I will keep practising now until Sunday, although I don’t want to overdo it and blow myself out like I probably did three years ago when I reached the final.

I’ve had a couple of days on my own and on Thursday I’ll practise with Joe Perry. We’re in different halves of the draw so that’s okay, I wouldn’t play him if we were due to meet in the quarter-finals.

The tournament has been great so far, with some high-quality snooker. I think the music has been a success too, it’s interesting seeing what players are going to walk out to. Let’s hope we keep hearing Kasabian’s ‘Underdog’ for a few more days yet!]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:53:27 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>A fitting final for the world’s greatest tournament</title>
			<description><![CDATA[It’s 25 years since the famous World Championship final between Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor. I don’t remember too much about it because I was only two at the time! 

I’ve seen plenty of videos of it though, and I sometimes wish I was old enough to have seen it, because everyone knows it is the best final ever.

I would love to be involved in a final like that, especially if I’m on the winning end, I don’t think it would be too great to end up as the loser! And having seen Davis’ face at the end, especially when he was 8-0 up at the start, it really did hurt him. It must have taken him a long time to recover, and even now it probably irks him a little bit when people mention it.

The two of them are going to play a frame during the World Championships to mark the occasion, it’s a great idea and I’m sure it will be a lot of fun. I wonder if there will be any cue-over-the-head stuff from Dennis. . . 

One thing you can always count on at the Crucible is the crowd, the supporters are very knowledgeable and they like to get behind the players.

If you get a lot of good support, it can really make a difference. A few cheers in your favour can really lift you. You only have to look at Jimmy White, he maybe won 30% of his matches because he had massive help from the crowd. His opponents would freeze and get intimidated because he’s got such a huge crowd cheering him on and wanting him to win.

I hope I get my fair share of cheers. There’ll be a few in the crowd from Leicester and it’s great to have them behind me. I hope I can put on a good show for everyone. My self belief is at a really good level at the moment. I had poor start to the season, probably because I didn’t have as much match-practice as I should have, and I lacked that sharpness.

But I had a decent second half of season, getting to the quarter-finals of the UK Championship and the Welsh Open, as well as winning the Masters of course. I know what it takes to win top titles, and I’m going to Sheffield to let my snooker do the talking, play as well as I can, stay focused and hopefully go on and win the trophy.

+++

Good luck to my fellow Leicester pro Tom Ford, who makes his Crucible debut on Saturday with a first-round match against Mark Allen.

I’m chuffed to bits for Tom, it’s been well overdue. He’s always been a great player, but I’ve always said that you only get out what you put in, and he will admit over the last few years he hasn’t put enough hard work in.

But this season he has worked really hard and it shows with the results he’s had. I hope he handles it okay and adapts quickly, and if so he’s got every chance. It would really be something to meet in the semis – at least we’d have one person from Leicester in final!]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:41:16 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Countdown to the Big One</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The waiting is almost over. This Saturday I will return to the Crucible Theatre for the biggest snooker tournament in the world – and I can’t wait.

I meet Ken Doherty over 19 frames in the first round, with the first session on Saturday and the second on Sunday. It’s a tough opener, but as I’ve often said, all matches are tough these days. And the atmosphere is something else, nothing compares to it in any other tournament. The spectators are so close you can sometimes feel their breath on the back of your neck.

For some of the players who have never qualified before, like my old mate from Leicester, Tom Ford, it could be quite difficult for them to get used to the surroundings. Some of them find their feet quickly, but others don’t.

Someone like Ken, though, who has been there and done it, and won the World Championship, he knows exactly what to expect. He will be confident, and he’s had a good back end to the season. It’s not new territory for him, he won’t go out there and just freeze. It will be tough game.

Saying that, I feel as though I’m in the best shape I possibly could be, and I’m going there to win the title. Technically, and in general, my game is better than when I got to the final in 2007. Someone mentioned to me that I could have to face a former world champion in every round. Easy, isn’t it! I don’t pay too much attention to the draw though, I just focus on one game at a time and, hopefully, the draw takes care of itself.

My quarter of the draw is probably the toughest of the lot, but the standard of players these days is so difficult that if you have one bad day at the office you can get beaten by anybody. You can’t get by on your B game, you’ve got to turn up every day. All I can do is play my own game, be positive and play the shots that should be played, without fear, and as long as I do, that’s all I can ask for.

This is my sixth consecutive year at the Crucible. The first two years I was still a journeyman really, I hadn’t won a title and was just one of those players who was qualifying for a tournament every now and then, and maybe getting the odd upset along the way. I wasn’t achieving what I knew I was capable of.

But the last few years, starting when I reached the final in 2007, my results have shown what I am capable of. Although 2008 was a disappointment losing to Mark King, I can’t complain about last year when John Higgins beat me 13-12 in the quarters. I don’t feel I did anything wrong and could not have done anything much different. It just came down to the run of the balls in the end.

I’m practising with Joe Perry and Michael Holt again this week, before having the final two days to my self when I’ll practise on my own.

People keep saying this is my year, I hope they’re right. Every year I go to Sheffield saying I can win the title, and I will keep saying that until I do. You can’t go there thinking you’ve got no chance of winning it, otherwise you may as well not bother turning up.

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We had Vikki’s nephew, Harrison, come to stay with us for a week during the Easter holidays. He’s 11 years old, and we had a great time doing things like 10-pin bowling and playing on the Wii. It was a lot of fun and Harrison said it was the best holiday he’s ever had. It just shows that Leicester is not such a bad place to visit!]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Tue, 23 Mar 2010 16:40:13 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>At least it's not a slow boat to China</title>
			<description><![CDATA[I fly out to China on Thursday for my second visit there in the space of a couple of weeks. I was there a fortnight ago to sign a two-year sponsorship deal with the Rising Dragon Group, who are also known as Old World. Now I’m heading back for the China Open in Beijing, with my opening-round match next Wednesday. Never mind being a jet-setter, more like jet-lagger!

I spent a week out there last time. As part of the deal, I played in some exhibitions and did some promotional work. I also played a few young Chinese players in best-of-nine matches which were live on TV. About 10 different channels showed the matches, so I’d love to know what the viewing figures were. Hopefully I’ll find out in the next couple of days, because I’m sure there would have been a fair few watching. They love their snooker in China and the crowds at tournaments are always very well supported.

The sponsorship is a welcome boost. You don’t want to be thinking about the financial side of things all the time, you just want to get your head down and play snooker. But this season we’ve only had six tournaments and there isn’t as much prize money around, so any extra bit of income helps take off the pressure.

I don’t know as yet who I will be playing in my first-round match next week. It’s either Rod Lawler or Supoj Saenla, who meet each other in the wildcard round.

Supoj is an unknown quantity. I don’t know anything about him, other than he spent a season on the main tour a couple of years ago before falling off. Lawler has been around for a long time and must be playing well to have qualified, especially as he beat Ricky Walden in his last qualifying match.

Either player will be tough, all matches are these days. But I’ve been preparing well and putting in all the hours I can on the practice table, and I will go to China feeling very confident. Hopefully I can go all the way, and that would be the perfect build-up to the Word Championships.

There has been some talk lately that the World Championships are too long. Some views are that 17 days could be reduced to 12, or that some matches should have fewer frames. I don’t agree, it’s been working very well for so many years now and is the absolute pinnacle of our sport. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

There is nothing wrong with the format as it is, it’s the World Championships and matches have to be played over the longer distances, otherwise it would be more of a lottery if they were played over fewer frames. It has to be a true test. The first to seven would be too short. You get some great matches over the best of 19, and no-one is guaranteed to win. There are still plenty of shocks over the longer matches.

The one area I would look at would be the start times, especially the final. The last few years have seen some very late finishes, so bringing the start time of each session forward an hour or so would be a great help. It can’t all be about the viewing figures – it’s about the players as well, it’s our livelihood and so much is at stake.

I was interested to hear recently that our new chairman, Barry Hearn, has called some players lazy and that he wants us to work hard for our living. I couldn’t agree more and look forward to his promise that there are going to be plenty more tournaments for us to play.

I for one will want to play in them all. The prize money won’t be extravagant, but if there are a further 20 tournaments held over weekends, all you’ve got to do is win two or three of them and that will be a few quid more than we would earn sitting around doing nothing! And failing that, it will be good practice and will help keep you match-sharp.

The future looks good under Hearn. You only have to see what he has done to darts. A few years ago, I would never have said that darts would be more popular than snooker, but the way he has transformed it has been fantastic. If he can do the same to snooker, then we could be on to a real winner. He has already attracted sponsors for the last couple of tournaments, which was a major bonus. I can’t fault him so far, he is delivering the goods.

*There are some pictures from my trip to China in the Personal section of the Gallery. I also have some video footage which I will try to upload. Keep your eyes peeled!]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:00:55 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Here comes Ken again</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The draw for the World Championships has thrown up a few interesting matches, not least my own against Ken Doherty.

Ken beat me in the first round of the Grand Prix earlier in the season, and he has been very much a man in form. But I will be out for revenge and determined to get my Crucible challenge off to a flying start.

I’m in China this week taking part in a few exhibitions, but I was kept informed of the draw as it was happening. Playing Ken will be tough, but then they’re all tough. I will go into the match full of confidence though, because I’ve had a good start to the year and I’m playing really well at the moment.

I’m delighted to see my fellow Leicester pro Tom Ford in the last 32. He will make his debut against Mark Allen and is more than capable of causing an upset.

Other matches to spring out include Stephen Hendry against Zhang Anda, Ronnie O’Sullivan against Liang Wenbo, and Joe Perry against Michael Holt.

Hendry will not know much about Zhang, I don’t think anyone does, while Ronnie will perhaps not be too pleased at being drawn against Liang again. Then again, I don’t think Liang will be all that chuffed either. And the other match is a clash between two of my mates and practice partners, Joe and Michael. I wouldn’t like to say which way that one is going to go!

My match against Ken starts on Saturday, April 17 at 7pm. I hope to see you there.

+++

I have finally succumbed to the internet craze that is social networking. I now have a Facebook page – Mark ‘Jester from Leicester’ Selby, where you can become a fan. You can also follow me on Twitter, just look for markjesterselby. Now you can all know what I’m to – even me!]]></description>
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