Latest news with #GermanMasters
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
World Snooker Championship star announces retirement after falling off the tour
World Snooker Championship star announces retirement after falling off the tour Anthony Hamilton, who won the German Masters in 2017 and was a former World Championship quarter-finalist, has retired from snooker after 34 years as a professional Anthony Hamilton has called time on his professional career (Image: Anna Gowthorpe/PA Wire ) Anthony Hamilton, once a practice partner of Ronnie O'Sullivan, has announced his retirement after a run of 34 years on the World Snooker Tour. Turning pro in 1991, just a year before O'Sullivan himself hit the professional scene, Hamilton has now brought down the curtain on his top-level career. The 'Sheriff of Pottingham' never quite lived up to what many believed was his full potential. Nonetheless, his career highlights include triumphing at the German Masters in 2017, where he bested Ali Carter in the final for his maiden ranking title. His record also boasts four appearances in the quarter-finals of the World Championship. The Nottingham native had already been contemplating retirement prior to bowing out of qualifying for the 2025 World Championship, which consequently led to the loss of his tour card. Reflecting on his experiences at Q-School, where he failed in his bid to regain his card, he said: "It felt strange playing there, knowing that these could be your last couple of matches. But I'm not going to miss it because the last few years have not been that enjoyable." However, he remains fond of the sport, adding: "I probably love it again now more than I used to. I appreciate it more. I watch it more now than I used to. I love it more and I love players now because I know what they're about. Article continues below Hamilton admits it is a relief to retire (Image: Getty ) "During my prime, I didn't really focus on snooker; my interests lay elsewhere in life. Now, as an older man, I've rediscovered my love for the sport and enjoy watching it again. I'm eager to see what the future holds." O'Sullivan once praised Hamilton, describing him as "phenomenal" and a "great practice partner". In 2021, the Rocket said: "He was phenomenal, still is, just goes ton, ton, ton, ton. It's good for you to play someone like that because it rubs off on you. He was a great practice partner. "He's won the German and had a very good career. It's a compliment, but with his game he should have won more really because he's a very heavy scorer. That's why he's still competing, because of his scoring power. "Plays the right shots, plays the right game, plays in the right spirit. A bit like [Anthony] McGill maybe, plays the game nicely, good cue action, everything's nice. When he does bring his best form, he's like that every day in practice. O'Sullivan rated his practice partner very highly (Image: Getty ) "If he could bring that regularly to the match table, he'd have won multiple titles. I don't know why he hasn't because he's got bottle, he's got everything. It's a strange one. Some players you look at and think they're too good not to have won more. He's definitely one of those." Meanwhile, O'Sullivan, 49, looks set to play on following his comeback at the World Championship, where he made the semi-finals despite complaining of chronic cue issues. How often fans will see the Rocket next season remains to be seen after he missed virtually half of last season. Speaking following his Crucible defeat to eventual champion Zhao Xintong, he announced plans to quit the UK for the Middle East. He said: "I'll still try and play snooker but I don't know what the future looks like for me really. Article continues below "I'm moving away soon so I'll just see how it goes. There's a lot of more important things in life to worry about than a game of snooker."
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ronnie O'Sullivan's 'phenomenal' ex-practice partner retires from snooker at 53
Anthony Hamilton, who was once described as "phenomenal" by Ronnie O'Sullivan, has called time on his 34-year snooker career after failing to regain his tour card One of Ronnie O'Sullivan's favourite practice partners has announced his retirement from snooker after 34 years at the top level. Anthony Hamilton turned pro in 1991 - a year before O'Sullivan and fellow greats John Higgins and Mark Williams - and has been a constant presence on the World Snooker Tour ever since. Although he may not have reached the heights he was capable of, Hamilton's career was still marked by notable achievements, including a ranking title win at the 2017 German Masters and four World Championship quarter-final appearances. Following a loss of form and his tour card, Hamilton attempted to regain his place at Q-School but was defeated by Germany's Umut Dikme, prompting his decision to retire at 53. Hamilton said: "It felt strange playing there, knowing that these could be your last couple of matches. But I'm not going to miss it because the last few years have not been that enjoyable." However, his love for the game remains. He added: "I probably love it again now more than I used to. I appreciate it more. I watch it more now than I used to. I love it more and I love players now because I know what they're about. "Back in my prime, snooker wasn't always on my mind as I had other interests. But now I'm older, I've rediscovered my love for the game and I'm eager to see what the future holds." Hamilton was once praised by O'Sullivan, who described him as "phenomenal" and a "great practice partner" in 2021. The Rocket said: "He was phenomenal, still is, just goes ton, ton, ton, ton. It's good for you to play someone like that because it rubs off on you. He was a great practice partner. "He's won the German and had a very good career. It's a compliment, but with his game, he should have won more, really, because he's a very heavy scorer. That's why he's still competing, because of his scoring power. "Plays the right shots, plays the right game, plays in the right spirit. A bit like [Anthony] McGill maybe, plays the game nicely, good cue action, everything's nice. When he does bring his best form, he's like that every day in practice. "If he could bring that regularly to the match table, he'd have won multiple titles. I don't know why he hasn't because he's got bottle, he's got everything. "It's a strange one. Some players you look at and think they're too good not to have won more. He's definitely one of those." O'Sullivan, four years Hamilton's junior, looks set to play on following his comeback at the World Championship, where he made the semi-finals despite complaining of cue issues. Exactly how often fans will see the Rocket next season is unclear, though. Speaking following his Crucible defeat to eventual champion Zhao Xintong, he announced plans to quit the UK for the Middle East. The Rocket, who has a snooker academy in his name in Saudi Arabia, added: "I'll still try and play snooker but I don't know what the future looks like for me really. "I'm moving away soon so I'll just see how it goes. There's a lot of more important things in life to worry about than a game of snooker."
Irish Daily Mirror
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Snooker hero O'Sullivan packed in conventional living for luxury canal boat
Ronnie O'Sullivan once splurged £130,000 on a canal boat—only for it to meet the same unfortunate end as his previous one. As snooker's all-time top earner with £14.73 million in career prize money, the seven-time world champion could have easily indulged in a luxury yacht or a sprawling mansion. But true to his unconventional nature, the Rocket—who dominates snooker's record books and is widely hailed as the sport's greatest ever—chose something more low-key. In 2018, he bought a luxury narrowboat named Morfe Lady Three. He moored the 60-foot vessel along Regent's Canal, which winds its way through north and east London. Equipped with a full suite of amenities, the boat offered a peaceful escape from the pressures of city life. Its spacious lounge area was adorned with an indoor fireplace, cosy furnishings such as a sofa, armchair, and rug, as well as a television. O'Sullivan humbly spoke about his purchase to TV presenter Matt Smith in a Eurosport video, saying it's "no big yacht but it's alright.' Yet his floating retreat was still kitted out with a modern kitchen that included a double oven and a wooden oval table. The boat also boasted a bedroom with a double bed and an en-suite bathroom featuring tiled floors, redwood vanity units with granite work tops, and a large wash basin. The 49-year-old explained to Smith: "I lived on a boat about seven or eight years ago in London and I loved it. I spent about three or four months living on it but couldn't use it because I had to get back to work - but I always had it in my mind that I'd buy another one." He went on to highlight the benefits of his curious purchase, adding: "I couldn't sit in a hotel room but I come in, have a little kip, put the snooker on, the TV on, have a few friends come in. You don't feel like you're cooped up so much. It's nice to see water." But it appears O'Sullivan's need to "get back to work" took precedent once again, as he reportedly listed his narrow boat for sale just a year later for £129,950, without looking for a replacement afterwards. Since then, he has gone on to win two more world championships, though he missed out on winning a record eighth title when eventual winner Zhao Xintong defeated him in the 2025 semi-finals earlier this month. Returning to professional play for the first time since January after an extended hiatus from the sport, the veteran showed flashes of brilliance but also admitted to a lack of confidence, partly due to issues with his cue. He snapped his equipment in his previous appearance earlier in the year and couldn't get comfortable with his new one, changing his cue tip for the first session against Zhao. O'Sullivan was ultimately dumped out in a 17-7 defeat, despite beginning the Friday morning session level at 4-4 with his Chinese opponent - who went on to beat Mark Williams in the final. The Rocket's turbulent season saw him make last-minute withdrawals from the German Masters and UK Open, as well as calling off an exhibition match with John Higgins in Helsinki.
Wales Online
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Shaun Murphy clears up awkward Dennis Taylor moment as he admits 'I didn't understand'
Shaun Murphy clears up awkward Dennis Taylor moment as he admits 'I didn't understand' Shaun Murphy has opened up on his awkward exchange with BBC commentator Dennis Taylor during the World Snooker Championship final at the weekend Shaun Murphy has opened up on the tense moment with Dennis Taylor (Image: George Wood, Getty Images ) Shaun Murphy has confessed to being baffled by BBC commentator Dennis Taylor's remarks about Zhao Xintong during the World Championship. A particularly uncomfortable exchange between the snooker star and the broadcaster became something of a viral sensation following the weekend's final. Murphy, who was on co-commentary, quickly shot down Taylor after he suggested that he had friends who had never seen Zhao play and were shocked by his talent. 'They must be fairly new to the game then, Dennis, because we're watching a former UK champion here,' Murphy responded. Taylor hit back: "They don't live in the UK, Shaun, that's what I was saying." The clip of the conversation, in which the exchange was followed by a long silence from both men, was widely circulated on social media. Murphy has since disclosed that he discussed the comments with Taylor off-air, but remains perplexed by their meaning. The 42-year-old highlighted that the UK Championship, along with other tournaments won by Zhao, are viewed globally, reports the Express. "I still don't understand what the thing was. I don't know. Sometimes you wonder whether some of these things are lost in translation a little bit, between generations. I don't know if it was just a little throwaway funny line that Dennis thought he was saying," Murphy said on the OneFourSeven Snooker Podcast. Article continues below Shaun Murphy remains confused by Dennis Taylor's (pictured) comments about Zhao Xintong (Image: Getty ) "I don't know if it just got missed, but I didn't really understand what he meant. I did say that to him off-mic between frames because he [brought it up]. "I said, 'Sorry, I didn't really understand what you were trying to say. Xintong won the German Masters and the UK Championship [three] and [four] years ago'. The UK Championship, this isn't 1984, it gets watched in almost every single country around the world. "Last year, we had over a billion eyeballs on snooker throughout the season. A sixth or a seventh of the planet watched snooker at some stage last season. These might just be things that Dennis isn't aware of, and other people of his vintage, they're not aware of... I don't know. But I just didn't really understand, I didn't get it." Shaun Murphy endured an awkward moment with Taylor live on air (Image: Getty ) He continued: "I remember before I got involved in broadcasting, you'd hear certain people on certain channels making mistakes and saying things that were just incorrect. The one that gets me is when a commentator says, 'Oh, I haven't seen much of this player, I don't really know anything about this player'. And they wear it like a badge of honour. Article continues below "They say it as if it's a good thing. It's not a good thing because it makes it look like you're turning up, taking your wages and then leaving. You're not putting any effort in. I've pulled up a couple of my co-commentators in the past because it's not a good look. Even if you haven't seen this player, don't say it. Don't tell the world that you can't be bothered to do your job. "That wasn't the thing with Dennis. I still don't understand how that blew up as big as it did. There was a little ruffle of a laugh that went round The Crucible, which is why I went quiet. "Dennis is a friend of mine, it's no axe to grind with Dennis. Dennis and I, we haven't fallen out. There was no exchange of words. I think it was meant to be funny, but wasn't funny. It's not the first time Dennis has told a joke that wasn't funny."
Daily Mirror
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Zhao Xintong will panic snooker rivals with four-word remark as he becomes world champion
Zhao Xintong secured his first World Snooker Championship title with an 18-12 win over Mark Williams on Monday evening, and the Chinese superstar is clearly ready for more success Zhao Xintong put the snooker world on notice on Monday night as he clinched his first World Championship by defeating Mark Williams. Chinese sensation Zhao toppled yet another legend from the revered 'Class of 92'. He delivered an electrifying 18-12 triumph at the Crucible. The remarkable win add to his triumphs in both the UK Championship and German Masters. Despite the gruelling nature of winning a whopping 111 frames across nine matches over a relentless span of 29 days, the 28-year-old said he was enthusiastic to continue. Speaking with Hazel Irvine post-victory in Sheffield, Zhao elicited chuckles from the Crucible audience when he said: "No, I'm not tired." When asked about his victory celebration plans, he added: "Maybe have a good drink tonight, and I need to say thank you to everybody for coming here. Nice crowd, and thank you, everybody." Zhao's journey to the pinnacle of the World Snooker Championship has been nothing less than remarkable. He conquered Cheung Ka Wai, Zehuang Long, Lyu Haotian, and Elliot Slessor in the qualifying rounds before routing Welshman Jak Jones 10-4 in the tournament opener. This was followed by a nail-biting 13-10 victory over Lei Peifan and then an impressive 13-5 dismantling of Chris Wakelin in the quarter-finals. His semi-final performance then saw him dash Ronnie O'Sullivan's dreams of an eighth world crown with a resounding 17-7 win. Zhao was dominantly in command throughout the final against Williams, seizing the title with confidence, and speaking about his victory, he told the BBC: "This is like a dream. I can't believe it. "There was big pressure and big nerves. I knew if I missed he could come back quickly. I was so nervous tonight. Mark is still a top player and put me under so much pressure. He's the best." Besides bagging the £500,000 prize for winning the tournament, Zhao is expected to ascend to 11th in the world rankings when he returns to the primary professional tour later this year. Nonetheless, his participation in the World Championship sparked distaste amongst snooker fans globally. It comes after his suspension from the sport in January 2023 amid match-fixing investigations. While he didn't rig any matches himself, Zhao admitted to betting on games, which led to a 20-month ban for his infringement. Having served his suspension until September 2024, Zhao entered the Q Tour as an amateur, and as a result, his World Championship triumph establishes him as the first technical amateur to win the title. He is also the first Asian victor of the event. Jason Ferguson, the chairman of the Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, commented last week on Zhao's climb back up the ranks, saying: "It's important to talk about and he has served his time and he has paid his fine and actually he has followed a route of trying to work his way back in. "I think people will always refer to it but when you're young you might get pulled into things. But there is a route back and there is a route to return. "From our point of view, he has done the right thing from day one and is welcomed back into the sport and will be a professional player again at the end of this World Championship."
