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Reposted by Phil Haigh

Nick Metcalfe @nickmetcalfe1974.bsky.social · 26/02/2025

Phil and I are back with Talking Snooker and we're joined by women's world seniors champion, Tessa Davidson. Tessa really is terrific value here, talking to us at length about her prolific career and future hopes for the women's game. podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t... #TalkingSnooker

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 21/02/2025

'Whether I keep my card or not, I think I’ve decided that enough is enough.' Spoke to Joe Perry who is 90% sure he will retire at the end of the season after 33 years on tour. He explained the frustrating reasons why. metro.co.uk/2025/02/20/j...

metro.co.uk

Joe Perry feels 33-year career is ending after losing love for playing snooker

'I’ve decided that enough is enough.'

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 19/02/2025

'Everybody's still driving themselves mad. Everybody's angry a lot. I've had my moments but generally I'm looking at it slightly different than I used to.' Always a pleasure to chat to the Hitman. Here's Michael Holt on life on tour & how to try and deal with it. metro.co.uk/2025/02/19/m...

metro.co.uk

Michael Holt on frustration, enjoyment and anger of life on World Snooker Tour

'Everybody's still driving themselves mad. Everybody's angry a lot.'

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

A late night dose of Talking Snooker after Mark Selby won the Welsh Open on Sunday. Is Maguire back? Is Brecel back? Will Higgins be back? Plenty of back chat in Llandudno. open.spotify.com/episode/6upp...

open.spotify.com

Talking Snooker Episode 197 - Mark Selby wins Welsh Open

Talking Snooker · Episode

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

'If you had put me on the spot, to let me make a decision there and then, I would have probably never played again.' Mark Selby felt on the brink of retirement just last year but out of that dark place and three titles later things are looking pretty good. metro.co.uk/2025/02/17/m...

metro.co.uk

Mark Selby feared career was over but is now eyeing fifth world title

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 13/02/2025

'Now my aim is top 32 then top 16, instead of trying to stay on tour, which is a great feeling.' Jackson Page feeling confident and looking up as the best season of his career continues with a great run at the Welsh Open. metro.co.uk/2025/02/13/j...

metro.co.uk

Jackson Page names biggest change as career-best season continues at Welsh Open

'Now my aim is top 32 then top 16.'

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

‘I think he’ll be putting the hours in behind the scenes and getting himself ready for the last part of the season, without a doubt.’ John Higgins expects Ronnie O'Sullivan to be back soon as he suggests reason for Welsh Open absence. metro.co.uk/2025/02/12/j...

metro.co.uk

Higgins suggests reason behind O'Sullivan withdrawal and backs Rocket return

'I think he'll be back.'

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 11/02/2025

'I’ve never talked to him since and never will. 'When he said that and put that in the papers, for no reason really, that’s it for me. There’s no coming back from that.’ Asked Mark Williams about the long-running and seemingly eternal Darren Morgan beef. metro.co.uk/2025/02/11/m...

metro.co.uk

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 11/02/2025

'I was really lacking in confidence, paranoid about my game. I was an edgy bag of nerves for months, it was horrible.' Spoke to Jamie Jones on the mental strain of life on tour & hitting a low point this season. Things are looking better now, thankfully. metro.co.uk/2025/02/11/j...

metro.co.uk

Jamie Jones speaks out on the mental health battle of snooker career

'I was an edgy bag of nerves for months, it was horrible.'

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

Pleasure to have Gary Wilson on Talking Snooker this week. The Tyneside Terror was open and honest as ever about his game and career. Really enjoyable chat. Also plenty on the German Masters, Welsh Open & other news. open.spotify.com/episode/4tPp...

open.spotify.com

Talking Snooker Episode 195 - Gary Wilson special + Kyren Wilson wins German Masters + Nick in Berlin

Talking Snooker · Episode

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

‘I have got such an air of confidence about me now. The more you win, the more of a force you become and install that fear factor.' Kyren Wilson on his evolution into an elite player and a look at how his season as world champ is stacking up. metro.co.uk/2025/02/03/k...

metro.co.uk

Kyren Wilson joins elite group by taking game to new level as world champion

The Warrior is joining snooker greats.

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

'My season's been terrible. When you disrespect the game it can kick you.' Spoke to Rob Milkins on a season to forget so far and why it's been so disappointing. The Milkman looks back on that amazing Welsh Open win and why things have changed since. metro.co.uk/2025/01/24/r...

metro.co.uk

Robert Milkins admits reason behind 'terrible' season and 'disgusting' form

'It's been disgusting, shocking really.'

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

'You've got to figure it out, figure your life out. Life is tough. I've struggled.' Spoke to Jack Lisowski on the mental strains of snooker and how he's now feeling good about his 'more rounded' game. metro.co.uk/2025/01/23/j...

metro.co.uk

Jack Lisowski on mental health in snooker: 'I've struggled, it's tough'

'You've got to figure it out. Life is tough.'

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 22/01/2025

'I feel good. I feel like it could happen at any moment.' Caught up with Jak Jones as his record-breaking Championship League run continues. 40 matches and counting he's played this month with a truckload of tons. He reckons a big win is close. metro.co.uk/2025/01/22/j...

metro.co.uk

Jak Jones reacts to making snooker history on epic Championship League run

This will be tough to beat.

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 21/01/2025

‘It’s never nice losing but I’ve got better at accepting that I tried my best and just go on to the next event and try and win that.' Caught up with Judd Trump on his Masters campaign, Kyren Wilson rivalry and the pitfalls of speeches after losing matches. metro.co.uk/2025/01/21/j...

metro.co.uk

Judd Trump brushes off Kyren Wilson defeat and swiftly moves on from Masters

'It just happens. If it didn't happen then I'd just win every event.'

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

This was a brilliant watch as Selby and O'Sullivan chatted about their mental challenges with Alan and Radzi. Their struggles are different but it was really interesting to see them talk and find common ground. Well worth a watch. youtu.be/bvLtKSwqt6c?...

youtu.be

Mark Selby, Ronnie O'Sullivan & Alan McManus Discuss Mental Health and Snooker ❤️

YouTube video by Eurosport Snooker

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 10/01/2025

'My wife has barely seen me this season and my kids have struggled with me being away.' Kyren Wilson loves being world champ but it comes with sacrifices. Spoke to the Warrior on life since the Crucible. metro.co.uk/2025/01/10/k...

metro.co.uk

Kyren Wilson opens up on strains of being world champion on life outside snooker

'They’re so young and they will get to a certain age when they do realise it’s all worthwhile.'

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 10/01/2025

No Ronnie O'Sullivan at the Masters. He withdraws 'on medical grounds' and Neil Robertson takes his place in the draw. metro.co.uk/2025/01/10/r...

metro.co.uk

O'Sullivan will not defend Masters title as he pulls out two days before event

The Rocket will not be at Ally Pally.

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 09/01/2025

'I'm disappointed he's said that because I get on with Mike, but if he wants to be in then get higher up the rankings.' Spoke to Nathan Aspinall on Premier League controversy, World Champs criticism and cutting out fist bumps. metro.co.uk/2025/01/09/n...

metro.co.uk

Nathan Aspinall responds to Mike De Decker's stinging Premier League attack

Brutal from the Belgian.

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 09/01/2025

‘People ask me if I class myself as one of the all-time greats. While I’m still playing then I don’t see it like that. I feel as though I’m just another player, just another number.' Spoke to Mark Selby about Stephen Hendry's high praise for him. metro.co.uk/2025/01/09/m...

metro.co.uk

Selby's humble response to Hendry saying his best beats O'Sullivan's

'I just feel as though I'm just another player, just another number.'

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 06/01/2025

The lads don't mind the snow.

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 06/01/2025

Championship League Snooker action today. Ali Carter vs Si Jiahui is a nice start to a Monday. Table One here 👇 youtube.com/watch?v=MBhl...

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 06/01/2025

Some varied Masters preparation this weekend. Williams, Trump and Ding at altitude in Tibet. Murphy and Hawkins in front of a big crowd in Budapest. Selby knocking in 147s at Penygraig Labour Club. metro.co.uk/2025/01/06/m...

metro.co.uk

Mark Williams needs oxygen during snooker exhibition in spectacular setting

This doesn't happen during a snooker match too often.

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 05/01/2025

Really enjoyed this chat with Radzi Chinyanganya on Talking Snooker. Loads of stuff going on in this episode. From his tough times breaking into TV to working with the Whirlwind and an ambitious Barry Hearn impression. open.spotify.com/episode/2Iqo...

open.spotify.com

Talking Snooker Episode 191 - Radzi Chinyanganya special

Talking Snooker · Episode

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 17/12/2024

'I'm 55, I came off the table feeling about 65! 'I made an unbelievable clearance. I don't know where it came from, I think it came from 1997!' Caught up with @kendoherty1997 after a memorable win which saw him considering retirement midway through. metro.co.uk/2024/12/16/s...

metro.co.uk

Snooker legend Ken Doherty scores epic win after 'collapsing like MFI wardrobe'

'I'm 55, I came off the table feeling about 65.'

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 12/12/2024

We talked some snooker last night. Shoot Out, shouty supporters and Scotland, among other things. open.spotify.com/episode/7sVy...

open.spotify.com

Talking Snooker Episode 188 - Tom Ford wins Shoot Out + Your Views

Talking Snooker · Episode

022

Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 10/12/2024

That's a brilliant win for Dean Young over Pang Junxu in front of his home crowd. Amazing break to win it. Bumped into Dean a few weeks ago after he qualified (beating Thepchaiya, no less) and he was buzzing to play in Scotland. He'll have absolutely loved that.

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 10/12/2024

Caught up with Liam Graham after his wild Shoot Out run. The unlikely finalist on mad wins, devastating defeat, loving the event and tough life on tour. metro.co.uk/2024/12/10/l...

metro.co.uk

Liam Graham reflects on 'mad, fun and devastating' Snooker Shoot Out final run

'I am a bit devastated, but it's one of those things.'

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 04/12/2024

Caught up with Barry Hawkins after his brilliant UK final run. Great titbits from the Hawk. Shots at the after party with Judd, nice words from the Rocket, why he turned down a commentary gig & 'some of the best snooker I've ever played.' metro.co.uk/2024/12/04/b...

metro.co.uk

Hawkins taking positives from UK Championship pain with major dream still alive

'Things started happening and I believed I could win.'

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 03/12/2024

'The most genuine guy, the best coach, amazing player and the funniest geezer you'll meet in your life.' Spoke to Anthony Hamilton today about the loss of his former coach Terry Griffiths. The Sheriff also explains his plans amid a tour survival scrap. metro.co.uk/2024/12/03/a...

metro.co.uk

Anthony Hamilton remembers Terry Griffiths: 'He was the best guy in snooker'

'The funniest geezer you'll meet in your life.'

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 25/11/2024

'Och, no. I’ve not had a good career. 'As me and Matthew Stevens say, we’ve got stories. Not a lot of the boys have got stories, they’ve got titles but they’ve not got stories.' Stephen Maguire on titles lost and tales to tell. metro.co.uk/2024/11/25/s...

metro.co.uk

Stephen Maguire: I’ve not had a good career but I've got stories

'I’ve left a few tournaments out there and that’s probably my own fault.'

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Shaun Murphy on working with Peter Ebdon. 'More of a mentor situation. I think I've gone a bit soft. Too nice. The last few years I think I've become a bit soft. You forget that this is war. I just wanted to have someone like Peter in my corner for the odd word here or there.'

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Barry Hawkins knocks Ronnie O'Sullivan out of the UK Championship. 'I've let myself down so many times when I've played Ronnie, I've given him too much respect. 'More often than not he's played well but he's had some stinkers as well and I've not took advantage. That's a massive win for me.'

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Enjoyable tales from the Milkman ahead of his big game tonight. Rob Milkins on his UK Championship debut in 1996, practicing with Ding Junhui 20 years ago and his struggles this season so far. metro.co.uk/2024/11/23/r...

metro.co.uk

Milkins remembers eventful UK Championship debut and first Ding meeting

'I've had some crackers in the UK.'

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

'I’ve always been consistent in saying that multiple winners of these Triple Crown events are slightly different from the one-time winners. 'I feel there could have been more and perhaps should have been more.' The Magician on his Triple Crown record. metro.co.uk/2024/11/23/s...

metro.co.uk

Shaun Murphy disappointed with Triple Crown haul: 'I should have more to show'

Can the Magician add to his Triple Crown trophy cabinet?

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

‘He was the one who broke my heart, being caught up in all that scandal. ‘Beautiful player to watch, got all the shots, he was the star, he was the Chinese Ronnie!' Fellow UK Championship qualifiers on the return of Zhao Xintong. metro.co.uk/2024/11/23/z...

metro.co.uk

Zhao Xintong 'broke my heart being caught up in all that scandal'

'He was the star, he was the Chinese Ronnie!'

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Reposted by Phil Haigh

Nick Metcalfe @nickmetcalfe1974.bsky.social · 22/11/2024

On the eve of the UK Championship, Phil and I preview the tournament in a new episode of Talking Snooker. There's a look ahead to every first round match in York, along with a review of Judgement Day. podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t... #TalkingSnooker

podcasts.apple.com

Talking Snooker Episode 186 - UK Championship 2024 Preview

Podcast Episode · Talking Snooker · 22/11/2024 · 54m

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 22/11/2024

'It’s been said that I’m one of the most improved players on tour. I think more than that I’m psychologically 10 times the man I was a couple of years back.' 'If anybody underestimates me then more fool them.' Loved chatting to a very positive Chris Wakelin. metro.co.uk/2024/11/22/c...

metro.co.uk

Chris Wakelin: 'If anybody underestimates me then more fool them'

'I’m psychologically 10 times the man I was a couple of years back.'

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Stephen Maguire on the change he's made after the 'worst he's ever played as a professional' in one match this season. He's still not a fan of qualifiers though: 'I try hard not to slag these places, but it’s the pits, it really is.' metro.co.uk/2024/11/20/s...

metro.co.uk

Stephen Maguire fired up for UK Championship after hitting professional low

'It's the worst I've ever played as a professional.'

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 20/11/2024

'I don't want to think too much about the next match, I have already done well to win three matches. I have learned a lot.' What a run for Bai Yulu in UK qualifiers. Already made history. Three down, one to go. Jack Lisowski up next. metro.co.uk/2024/11/20/w...

metro.co.uk

Women's world champ Bai Yulu makes history with another win in UK Championship

The 21-year-old is on an historic run.

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 19/11/2024

Really enjoyed this chat with Taylor Wilson on Talking Snooker. Loads of interesting stuff on the management side of the game, working with his brother, Crucible glory and plenty more. Also Champ of Champs and the UK is underway. open.spotify.com/episode/49JN...

open.spotify.com

Talking Snooker Episode 185 - Taylor Wilson + Champion of Champions Review

Talking Snooker · Episode

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 16/11/2024

Really good from Mark Williams in a pretty comfortable 6-2 win over Neil Robertson. Don't know what the odds on a Williams vs Xiao final were at the start of the week but somewhere in the mammoth region. This guy's 50 in March!

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Phil Haigh @philhaigh.bsky.social · 16/11/2024

Fantastic result for Bai Yulu. The women's world champ gets her first victory on the main tour. Beating Farakh Ajaib 6-4 in UK Championship qualifying. Jamie Jones next for her.

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