Celebrate good times
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.
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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.
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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...
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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!
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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