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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.

+++

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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			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:43:17 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Poetry in motion</title>
			<description><![CDATA[I’ve been immortalised in poetry! Kevin Power is a snooker fan and has written several poems about the sport and various players – now he has chosen me as his subject! I’m very flattered and honoured, I think it’s great. And it shows that I must be doing something right. You can read Kevin’s poem, which is called ‘The Rap of Mark Selby’, in the Latest News section of my website.

Poetry is not my strongest point, I’ll admit. I don’t think it’s going to inspire me to write any, I think I should just stick to what I do best, playing snooker. I’m gearing up for the China Open which starts at the end of March, so I’ve got plenty of practising to do and a few exhibitions in the pipeline.

Me and Vikki had a week in Dubai last month, it was good to get away and have a break from it all. I’d never been there before but it really lived up to my expectations. Yes, it’s expensive, but we got plenty of sightseeing done, as well as some relaxing in the sun. Shaun Murphy had been before and he said he didn’t really enjoy it because it was too commercial and too many hotels. But there was plenty for us to do and it made a nice change to get out and about and see a bit of the place.

We were there for Valentine’s Day so we had a meal at the Burj Al Arab, which is the only seven-star hotel in the world. The restaurant was right at the top – very nice too!

Mind you, we almost didn’t make it to Dubai at all because of an admin error. The paperwork for the flights had one letter wrong in Vikki’s name, so we had to get everything changed. When it was all done, we found out that I’d been left off the new paperwork altogether, so it looked like she was going on her own! We managed to get it sorted, but we missed our original flight and had to wait for another one a few hours later.

At least Vikki’s name was spelt right on the trophy she has just picked up. Her Tuesday night pool team won their league and we went to the awards presentation evening. She’s doing really well and winning more trophies than me! She put her trophy on the mantlepiece next to my Masters trophy and, although it’s smaller than mine, it does look like a bit like his and hers! She keeps telling me: “It’s not all about you, you know!”

Good luck to my fellow Leicester pro Tom Ford in the World Championship qualifiers. He’s through to the fourth round where he will play Anthony Hamilton at the EIS in Sheffield. Unfortunately, Ben Woollaston lost 10-9 to David Roe after being 9-6 up at one point. I know he is gutted and it could mean he is off the Tour.

I went to Sheffield to watch Ben in one of his earlier matches. I’m glad I don’t have to go through that any more. You see some of the names involved – Jimmy White, John Parrott, Ken Doherty, Tony Drago, Matthew Stevens, all big names, and the list goes on. And then you look at the younger generation who are involved, the likes of Ricky Walden, Jamie Cope and Judd Trump – there are no easy matches. It’s cut-throat and I wouldn’t like to go back to it.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:19:12 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>No question about it, it's a real honour</title>
			<description><![CDATA[I’m currently being driven up to Manchester to record an episode of ‘Question of Sport’. It’s better than driving myself, or taking the train, and it’s a good chance to sit down for a couple of hours and do nothing, especially after a hectic few days.

I showed off my Masters trophy during half-time of Leicester City’s match against Newcastle last Saturday. They always ask me to go down when I win something and it’s always a pleasure to do so, I hope the fans like it too. Leicester played well to get a 0-0 draw after Richie Wellens was sent off in the first half, so a point at home against the league leaders was a decent result in the end. I just hope Leicester can push on and get promotion to the Premier League now.

Last night was another social occasion, and it was another one which I really enjoyed. I was the guest of honour at a ceremony at Leicester Town Hall, where the Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Roger Blackmore, presented me with an inscribed crystal bowl to celebrate my win at Wembley.

It was such a great honour and privilege for me, and I really appreciated it. Winning the Masters was good enough, so this was the icing on the cake. It’s a little overwhelming, meeting such dignitaries and having to give a speech in front of my friends and family, but it’s great to be recognised as someone who is doing well in their home town.

My speech went down okay. I’d been preparing it and practising it for days, because I wanted to get it right. I’m used to going out and playing snooker in front of hundreds of people, with millions more watching on TV, but this was a different kind of pressure. It was a bit scary with so many people listening to me, but I enjoyed it and I hope it’s something I get better at the more times I do it. I’ve just got to keep on winning titles! But occasions like this definitely inspire me to be even more of a success, and I’m really grateful to the Mayor and everyone at the Town Hall for what they did.

This will be my third time on ‘Question of Sport’ and I’m really looking forward to it. I don’t know who’s team I’m on or when it’s going to be aired, but I guess I’ll find all that out when I get there.

It’s a great laugh and a great way to unwind. It’s one of my favourite shows on TV and I do consider myself to have a decent knowledge of sport. I’ve been brushing up a bit, but I always seem to do well when I go on there. It’s just the questions on snooker I struggle with!

It’s also a great opportunity to be myself for a bit. People don’t often get to see the other side to snooker players because we’re always so focused during our matches, but this is a good way to show our more entertaining sides. And I’d love to be a captain one day! Matt Dawson and Phil Tuffnell do a great job, but you never know, one day it could be me. They do a lot of research though and are always reading up on their sporting trivia, so I know it would be hard work, but they have a laugh and a joke as well, and that’s right up my street!

It’s been a busy start to the year. After the Masters, I hardly had time to catch my breath before it was the Welsh Open. It was a little bit of “after the Lord Mayor’s show” in Newport, if you’ll pardon the pun, because it was such a comedown after everything that happened at Wembley.

I had a tough opener against Judd Trump so I was pleased to get through that. I was disappointed to lose to John Higgins in the quarter-finals, but I can’t complain too much. I played well enough but he was just that bit better than me on the day. It also gave me a boost up the rankings too. And if anyone had said to me at the start of the year that I would win the Masters and reach the quarters in Wales, I would have taken that.

I’ve got a few weeks off now before the China Open. I’ve got some exhibitions arranged, including one in Austria this weekend, but I think me and Vikki will have a few days off in Dubai, get away from it all for a bit. Then it will be all go once again!

*Picture courtesy of the Leicester Mercury]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:03:15 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Can I make it a double?</title>
			<description><![CDATA[I play Judd Trump in the first round of the Welsh Open in Newport on Wednesday and I’m brimming with confidence. Having won the Masters for the second time, I’m on a real high and can’t wait for it to start. It feels like the season has just started for me and I’m excited about what’s to come.

I always thought I was playing well this season, even though I had a couple of first-round defeats. But snooker is a difficult game and it can all come down to confidence. You can be playing really well one day, but then the next you can’t pot a ball even though you’re doing nothing differently.

The Masters showed my game is in great shape. To come back and win like that was fantastic, and it’s just been a matter of fine-tuning it during this last week. I’ve been practising every day, and I know I’ve got a hard match ahead of me.

I seem to have had a tough draw in every first round this season, playing the likes of Ken Doherty and Jamie Cope, and Judd will be no different. He is young and plays with no fear, and he’s been doing well in the Premier League so his confidence will be high.

The last time we played was in the Shanghai Masters in 2008 and I beat him 5-1. I won’t be going into this match as the underdog, but I know how tricky it will be.

But winning the Masters gave me a massive lift and I hope that continues in Newport this week.

There is also a bit more pressure in this tournament because there are ranking points at stake. Of course there was pressure at the Masters, but it wasn’t a ranking event. I’m down to 13th in the provisional world rankings and need to pick up some points this week. If I lose in the first round, the Masters will seem a long way away.

It still hasn’t sunk in that I won the Masters. I’ve been practising all week so I haven’t really seen anyone. It will really kick in at Newport when I see the other players and talk about it. It could also be a good omen for me because the last time I won the Masters, in 2008, I won the Welsh straight afterwards.

I beat Ronnie O’Sullivan in that final, coming back from 8-5 down to win 9-8 in the final. Having done the same to him at Wembley, when I fought back from 9-6 down to win 10-9, that shows what I’m capable of achieving.

Much has been said in the wake of the Masters final against O’Sullivan. We could meet in the semi-finals in Newport and, if we do, it will be a clean slate as far as I’m concerned.

All that matters to me is that I feel like I have got the edge when I play against him. I feel like I’m one of the few players who go into a match knowing I can beat him and, having won the way I did at Wembley, that will be of benefit to me should we meet again.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:15:37 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Now that's champion!</title>
			<description><![CDATA[What a feeling to wake up as Masters champion! It was a late night, not just for me, but for everyone who came to Wembley and all those who watched at home on the TV, and I thank everyone who supported me.

This victory is particularly sweet, not just because I regained the title after losing it last year, but because of the way I did it. I haven’t had the best start to the season, every knows that, but my form began to come back in the UK Championship and, against Ronnie in the final on Sunday, it really clicked. I’ve been playing great on the practice table, so I’m so chuffed that my game finally came together and that I produced the goods when it mattered. Hopefully, this will be the kick-start I need for the second half of the season.

To beat O’Sullivan at Wembley was a great feeling. He’s got the majority of the crowd behind him because he’s a local lad, and I was the underdog, so to come back and win the final four frames and snatch the title was particularly sweet.

I never know when I’m beaten and I will not give up until that final ball has been potted. I wear my heart on my sleeve and I just will not give in. I love playing at Wembley, the atmosphere and the set-up, the prestige of the tournament, it all seems so perfect for me. And I guess after two victories in three years, it must be perfect! It was one of the best matches I’ve ever played in and it’s given me a great confidence boost ahead of the Welsh Open, which starts next week.

I play on the Wednesday (January 27) but I don’t know who my opponent is yet. I hope winning the Masters proves to be a good omen though because, the last time I won it, I went to Newport and won the Welsh Open. Let’s hope for a repeat this year!

It still hasn’t quite sunk in yet that I’ve got this title back, and I don’t have much time to savour it because it’s straight back to work for me, I’ve got to knuckle down and keep working hard. I know that, on my day, I’m capable of beating anyone and, if I’m the one potting all the balls, there’s nothing your opponent can do. I just have to keep working hard and make sure I take this form to Newport next week.

Just going back to the late finish on Sunday, I know a lot of people, especially children, would have missed the closing stages because they had to be up early for school or work. AI don’t understand why we keep having these late finals, and I can’t see why they shouldn’t start earlier in the day. Maybe the first session can start at 12noon and the final session at 6pm. That would mean everybody will then be able to see it, and maybe it is something our new chairman Barry Hearn is already thinking about, we will have to see.

But for the time being, I’m going to enjoy this title as much as I can, and I hope there are plenty more to follow.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:46:16 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Bring on the quarter-finals!</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Happy New Year everyone. We’re only two weeks into 2010 but it’s been a busy start, and so far so good. As well as working hard on the practice table, I’ve been involved in qualifying for the Premier League, fought off a bout of flu and won my opening match at the Masters.

I’m eagerly awaiting my Masters quarter-final match on Friday after beating Ding Junhui in the first round. I’ve been back in Leicester since then where, despite my best attempts to stay warm and get over this flu virus, we have had nothing but snow. Still, we’re not alone in that as pretty much the whole country has been affected. It’s snow joke!

I was delighted with the way I played to beat Ding 6-1. I haven’t been getting the results this season and to come out and perform as well as I did was fantastic. It must be something to do with playing at Wembley, I feel right at home there. It was the best match I’ve played this season.

I feel really comfortable out there, I love the one-table situation because it makes it feel like you’re playing a semi-final or final. It suits my game, and my record there over the past three years speaks for itself. I was the underdog because he had just won the UK Championship, but my confidence has been returning and it was a great scalp for me. It’s put me on a high and I will take that into my next match, I don’t fear anyone and I’m playing well enough to win the title again.

I was suffering from flu against Ding but I tried not to show it because I couldn’t afford to feel sorry myself, and I didn’t want any excuses. At 5-0 up I wasn’t thinking about a whitewash, all I wanted to do was get to six and win the match. Even when he pulled one back I kept my concentration and saw the job out. I knew he had been home to China for Christmas so his preparation was probably not as good as mine. Apart from a couple off days over Christmas and New Year, I was practising all the time.

I maybe need to score a bit bigger than against Ding, but as long as I take my chances you don’t need to knock in high breaks all the time to win tournaments.

I mentioned that I was the underdog against Ding. That partly explains my choice of song when I entered the arena on Sunday, ‘Underdog’ by Kasabian. I wanted to choose something from them because, like me, they’re from Leicester and I’ve got to know a few of the lads quite well. Originally I wanted to use their hit song ‘On Fire’ but I’d heard Stephen Maguire was going to use it because that’s his nickname. So I had to find something else and, as I was the underdog going into the match, and because it’s got a good beat and is up tempo and helps lift the crowd, I chose that one instead.

I was disappointed not to qualify for the Premier League because I played well and reached the final of the Group One stage. But it’s not out of the question just yet, I can still qualify by getting a wildcard, or by winning the World Championships. Who knows what the year will bring? By and large, it’s been a decent start so far and I hope it continues.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:59:40 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Merry Christmas!</title>
			<description><![CDATA[I’m looking forward to a break over Christmas, although I won’t be resting too much because I don’t want to undo all the hard work I’ve been doing up to now.

Even though I lost 9-3 to Ronnie O’Sullivan in the UK Championships, I was pleased to have got a win under my belt and pleased with the way I played.

Having gone into the tournament without a win this season, if you had offered me a place in the last eight before it started, I would have taken it.

It’s been a strange year. I feel like I’ve been playing really well but it’s just the run of the balls that have gone against me, and that has proved costly. Lady Luck certainly seemed against me in the Shanghai Masters and Grand Prix, so I hope it’s a bit more in my favour in 2010.

The scoreline against Ronnie looks like a heavy defeat but it doesn’t reflect the whole game. I missed a few balls and he took his chances, and that was the only difference.

I know my game is in good shape and I proved that in the first round when I came back from 8-4 down to beat Jamie Cope 9-8, and in good style too. However, I know that, if I reach the quarter-finals of an event, I should have the ability to go on from there and win the title.

I shall have a few days off over Christmas and New Year, just try and relax a bit. But I don’t want to undo all the good work I’ve been doing lately on the practice table, so I shall keep hard at it and try and stay match sharp.

I’ve got the inaugural ONEFOURSEVEN tournament in Cardiff on Monday, and then in the New Year there are qualifiers for the Premier League before the Masters starts, so it is a quick return to action.

It’s a busy start to the new year and I’ve got a few resolutions.

I need to be more organised because, in all honesty, I’m useless! You only have to look at me missing the Pro Challenge event – in Leicester – to work that one out!

I’m also vowing to keep my car keys on me all the time and not leave them lying around! It wasn’t a nice feeling to have my car stolen before my match against Ronnie and it was playing on my mind a bit, I must admit.

That’s all for 2009. Thank you to everyone for your support, and for taking the time to read my blog entries. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:49:06 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Decision was the right one</title>
			<description><![CDATA[The decision to oust Sir Rodney Walker as chairman of World Snooker is in the best interests of the game. It is time for a change, with some new faces and new ideas.

I wasn’t surprised it came to this, snooker has not been going well for some time now. Although the WPBSA have saved some money during the past few years and even made some profits, the situation the players currently find themselves in is far from ideal. Only six ranking tournaments this season is not acceptable – all the players want to do is play snooker.

It looks like Barry Hearn will become the new chairman, and if it does come to that, then it will be good for the game. He’s a new face, he’s proven what a difference he can make to a sport like darts, and he’s shown already with the Premier League that he knows how to put on a good snooker show.

The way he works is different to anyone else and it is always to a high level. Whatever he lends his hand to, it is usually a great success.

I understand that IMG would be happy to work with Hearn on any new plans, and that is fantastic to hear. They both need to be involved and working in tandem and, again, that an only be good for our game in the long-term.

Hearn knows how to entertain and add a bit of fun, hype things up a bit. I don’t think it needs to go to the same levels of darts though, because snooker is and always will be very much a gentleman’s game. But there are definitely improvements that can be made and I’m sure Hearn already has a raft of ideas.

One idea I’ve heard mooted is a second tour of 25 tournaments – with decent prize money – to run during the course of a year. Added to the major events, this will give the players a much bigger choice of tournaments to play in. Darts has something similar where they have 30 or 40 smaller tournaments as well as the nine or 10 major ones. It would give us a wonderful chance to play so much more than we do now.

There are definitely exciting times ahead and I will be watching with a keen interest.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:02:04 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>New Tour proposals are great idea</title>
			<description><![CDATA[I’ve been watching the news with interest this week after the plans for a new World Snooker Tour were announced. I really hope it comes off because it would undoubtedly be good for snooker and for the players.

Snooker is still a massive sport and the viewing figures for tournaments are always high. I know we’ve been hit by the credit crunch, but what I don’t understand is why snooker is in such a bad state. You look at a sport like darts and that is still surviving during these hard times, so why isn’t snooker? Why are we losing tournaments? Why are we down to just six this season? Maybe the people behind the scenes are just not working out, so maybe it is time for a change of key personnel, a breath of fresh air.

The fact that we’ve got only six ranking tournaments this season is a farce. There is too much of a gap between each event – it’s been six weeks since the last tournament! We are classed as professionals but, really, we are hardly more than part-time. The gap is so big we could get another job in between tournaments.

The money is still decent if you are a top-16 pro, you can expect to earn a healthy amount during the course of the season, even if you don’t perform particularly well. The ones I feel most sorry for are the players outside the top 64. They are classed as pros but they don’t get enough money to be able to survive. But for me it’s not about the money. All I want to do is play snooker, but it makes it hard to do that when there are only six tournaments.

As I said before, I really do hope these proposals come off. The game certainly cannot get any worse than it is at the moment. If someone like Barry Hearn was to come in, that could be what turns around our sport. Hearn would not be seen as a risk as he has proven before what he is capable of. You only have to look at the darts to see what a difference he can make.

+++

I was delighted to see Jimmy White avoid being voted out of the jungle on I’m A Celebrity… last night. We haven’t seen the best of Jimmy yet, certainly not the Jimmy I know.

When Jordan went in it was all about her and hardly anyone else got a look in. Now that she’s gone, hopefully Jimmy will get more involved. It was great to see him do a trial at last, that will do him a lot of good with the public. But maybe is low-key profile is all part of his game-plan, I don’t know. Jimmy is a massive celebrity in his own right, but maybe he’s a little star-struck with the people around him.

Whatever happens, I hope he stays in for longer and we get to see the real Jimmy White.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:29:01 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Jimmy's got the X Factor</title>
			<description><![CDATA[There are plenty of distractions for me when I’ve finished a hard day’s work at ‘the office’. I usually finish practising at the club around 4pm and then head home, and there has been some great TV viewing this week watching Jimmy White in the jungle on I’m A Celebrity... I also watch X Factor when I can – how you can escape it anyway is beyond me, what with Jedward on every front page!

I also went to watch the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton at the weekend, which was great fun, and if there’s nothing else to keep me entertained, then you can often find me working out in the gym which I’ve just had installed at home. I’m doing a lot of running and rowing and it’s hard work, but I’ll get used to it and it will help me in the long run.

Failing that, if there’s nothing else to do I’ve been going for midnight drives with Vikki! That might sound strange but there’s a very good reason for it, trust me. She has just passed her driving test (like me a late learner) and she has got a little Peugeot to run around in. But she’s had trouble getting used to it after the car she was learning in, so it gets to about 10.30 at night and we’ll look at each other and say “let’s go out for a drive”! There’s hardly anyone about on the roads at that time of the night so it’s an ideal time for her to practice.

It’s brilliant watching Jimmy on TV. Everyone loves him, lots of people have him as their favourite player, and he’s a really nice person too, so I don’t see any reason why he can’t win it and be crowned King of the Jungle. He’s such a popular person, he will definitely be good for the programme. I don’t think he will like having to eat the grubs and insects though, he will find that tough, and he’s got a fear of snakes and spiders. But he’s got a great personality and that’s what will come through the most.

I know he will be missing his qualifier for the UK Championship, but I don’t think Jimmy will be too fussed. He knows he’s at the end of his career and, although he’s more than capable of winning matches, it will be difficult for him to get back in the top 16. Going into the jungle will give his profile a bigger boost and I’m sure he’ll pick up a bit more cash this way.

Another reality TV winner I predict is Olly on X Factor. I have no idea how the twins are still on it. Simon Cowell had the chance to vote them off but, well, you can understand that they’re good for publicity and that’s why he would want to keep them on the show. I think Danyl is the best singer, but Olly has got that bit of everything. He’s a good singer, he’s an entertainer and he’s a nice guy. He reminds me a bit of Will Young, and I’m tipping him to win.

I was due to take part in an exhibition in Romania this weekend but it’s been cancelled because of worries over swine flu. It would have been great to go there but hopefully we can arrange it for another date. The match practice would also have been beneficial, but there’s nothing I can do about it. All I can do is keep plugging away at the club. I’ve played Nigel Bond and Michael Holt, and it’s all good preparation for the UK Championships.

Finally, I’d like to say well done to Joe Jogia who finished runner-up in the Challenge Tour event in Leicester. Joe is a nice bloke and a good player, he did really well in what was a very strong field. Let’s hope he can kick on from here.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:59:08 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Playing it straight</title>
			<description><![CDATA[I thought I’d give you a bit of an insight into my fellow snooker pros for this blog entry. I was asked a series of questions and I’ve done my best to answer them honestly, although my tongue my have been firmly in cheek on a few occasions. Anyway, here are the results.

Who is the biggest moaner?

Definitely Michael Holt. He moans all the time and is convinced that everyone is lucky but him. If he lands perfect on a shot, he’ll still find something to moan about. Even if it’s in a practice session! But he always does in it a jokey way.

Who is the most intelligent?

Ali Carter is very clever. Well, I suppose you’ve got to be to fly a plane. He’s also got sound financial sense too.

Who’s got the best cue action?

Shaun Murphy and Ronnie O’Sullivan, because of how accurate they are. Shaun’s is so smooth and is the textbook cue action, while Ronnie’s is just unbeatable when he’s playing well.

Apart from yourself, who do you see as a future world champion?

I think there are so many who are capable of winning it, the likes of Ding Junhui, Neil Robertson, Mark Allen, even Jamie Cope. And Judd Trump, he’s still young and very much a threat.

Who’s got the best haircut?

Me!

And the worst?

Ooh, erm, Neil Robertson. When he doesn’t do it, it goes really curly like a perm. He looks like Martin Clark, a player who was on the tour in the 1980s and early 90s.

You play a bit of golf, but who is the best on the snooker tour?

John Parrott is very good, he plays off two. And Shaun Murphy is not bad either, he plays off six. Don’t ask me what my handicap is, I’m still very much a beginner!

Who’s the funniest?

Joe Perry is very funny and is always coming out with some brilliant one-liners, as does Mark King. They’ve had me in stitches in the players’ lounge when they’re cracking jokes.

Who is the quietest player?

Graeme Dott doesn’t say much, he keeps himself to himself, which is fair enough. I’d been a pro for years but it wasn’t until I played against him in a tournament that I first spoke to him.

Who has the worst dress sense?

Anthony Hamilton. He’s a great lad, but he wears tracksuit bottoms all the time!

Who’s the hardest to play against?

Ronnie O’Sullivan. Whether it’s a short or long game, you know that at any moment he can go on a run and blow you away. You go into a match against him almost expecting it.

Who’s the brightest young prospect?

That would have to be Jack Lisowski. He is only 18 and plays on the amateur tour, but I think he is more or less granted his place on the main tour for next season. He is certainly one to watch.

Who has the best tactical game?

For me, John Higgins is the best all-round player, but Peter Ebdon is very strong when he’s involved in a game of mental strength.

Who has the best trick shots?

Steve Davis. I’ve done a few exhibitions with him and he’s very good, not only with the shots but also the way he plays the crowd.

Who do you get on with the best?

I get on well with everyone. I wouldn’t like to single anyone out as being the best I get on with, but those I get on most with are Michael Holt, Neil Robertson, Shaun Murphy and Mark Williams.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:39:00 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>Let's get physical</title>
			<description><![CDATA[Everything is geared towards getting back in shape at the moment – and not just on the snooker table (but more of that later). Even though the next tournament, the UK Championship, is not until December, I’ve been practising hard.

I should have been taking part in the Pro Challenge event in Leicester in a couple of weeks, but due to a, er, clerical error, I’m not in the draw. I’ve only got myself to blame and I hold my hands up – it was my fault. I forgot to post the paperwork in time. I’d forget my own head sometimes.

I’m really disappointed to be missing it though, not only because it would have been good match practice, but because it would have been great to play a tournament in my home town, and even better to have won it.

I’ve certainly learned a lesson though. I’m a bit useless when it comes to paperwork and that sort of stuff (just ask Muke!), but I can’t afford something like this to happen again, so I will be doing everything straight away in the future.

I’m off to Copenhagen this weekend for an exhibition with John Higgins. I’ve not been to Denmark before so I’m looking forward to seeing another great city. I’m sure we will be well received over there too, snooker is such a burgeoning sport all across Europe at the moment and I’m anticipating a warm welcome.

I had a warm welcome when I went to Newquay recently with Vikki. We were going down to stay with my old friend Eddie Manning for a few days. He used to be a pro on the main tour and he used to live in Leicester, but I hadn’t seen him in a few years. It was great to catch up, and what was supposed to be a weekend trip turned into a five-day stay! Although Newquay is famous for its surfing, I wasn’t even tempted to try it. Eddie calls surfers “shark biscuits”! And anyway, I can’t swim so it would have been a recipe for disaster.

On the way down we called into a snooker club in Bude to say a “quick hello” to a mate of Vikki’s. We were only going to stay for an hour or so, but one drink turned into two, and then three, and before we knew it we were set for an overnight stop!

The club had a dart board and I was messing about on it. I love darts and I’m not too bad at it either – I even threw four 180s in half an hour! Someone noticed my maximum exploits and asked if I’d fancy turning out for their Super League team that night as they were a couple of players short. I ended up playing the bloke who finished second in the league averages last season – and I beat him 2-1! He was gutted, but what a great night. See you same time next week lads!

So my darts is in good shape, I’m working hard on the snooker table, that just leaves . . . me. Yes, the next step is to get myself in shape. I’ve just had the garage converted into a gym, with a rowing machine, a treadmill and some free weights put in. I’ve got no ambitions on making it to Muscle Beach or being super fit, I just want to tone up a bit. I don’t want to look like Johnny Bravo!

It also gives me something else to do away from snooker, it’s good to have an outside interest. I think it’s important to be physically fit as well as mentally fit, the two go hand in hand and will help me during longer matches on the snooker table.]]></description>
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			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:40:53 GMT</pubDate>
			<title>A rest is as good as a break</title>
			<description><![CDATA[I’ve had a short break from snooker, just to clear my mind a bit after the defeat to Ken Doherty in the Grand Prix. I spent a few days in Newquay with my old mate and former Tour pro Eddie Manning. We know each other from when he lived in Leicester and we’ve always kept in touch, so it was good to see him, and to breathe in some sea air. (Eddie, by the way, is one of the few players to have knocked in a break of 149, which he achieved during a practice match during the late 1990s).

The defeat to Ken wasn’t ideal, and it certainly didn’t go according to plan. That’s two ranking tournaments and two first-round defeats now – you would think the alarm bells are ringing, especially as my provisional ranking has dropped to 15, but they’re not, I know I’m playing well.

I’ve been practising hard, there’s no doubt about that, and I’ve gone into my matches with a positive frame of mind. The one thing you can’t account for is the run of the balls, and they haven’t being going my way, especially against Ken. With a little bit of luck going in my favour in that match, and the result could have been different. Of course, it’s all ifs, buts and maybes, but I believe I am playing well.

Losing matches like that does knock your confidence, and it’s a shame I have to wait two months for the UK Championship, the next ranking tournament. That tournament, with the longer matches, will suit my game, and I know that one good win there could be all I need to turn around my season.

Until then, I’ve got some exhibition matches lined up in Copenhagen and Budapest, and on November 9-11 I’m taking part in the third Pro Challenge event, which is being held at Willie Thorne’s in Leicester. It will be fantastic to play a tournament in my home town. I used to play in the pro-ams at Willie’s when I was a junior, so I’m no stranger to the venue. I still practise there every now and then with Ben Woollaston and Andy Lee, and the place has got lots of good memories for me, especially as I won the odd tournament or two in my youth!

Leicester has always been a hotbed for juniors and pro-am snooker, and it’s great that a Pro Challenge event is being held there. I hope more are held in the city and I can’t see why a bigger tournament could not come to Leicester some time in the future, all the facilities are certainly there.

It’s back to work next week though. With the start I’ve had to the season, I can’t afford to put my cue down for too long so I will be back in the club practising hard.]]></description>
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