Latest news with #SNOOKER
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
‘You sure you've got the right number?' – Snooker star who watched Crucible in pants suffering from imposter syndrome
SNOOKER star Zak Surety revealed he still suffers from imposter syndrome despite his growing success in the sport. Surety, 33, has made headlines ever since his semi-final run at the World Open in February before beating Antoni Kowalski, Jack Lisowski and Ricky Walden to make his Crucible debut in April. 2 2 The Essex cueman has come a long way from watching the World Snooker Championship at home in his pants, as he previously revealed four months ago. But despite all of his recent victories, the star from Basildon still struggles with anxiety and intrusive thoughts even though he has proven he belongs in the same category as the best. So much so that he receives texts from superstars like Neil Robertson and wonders if they got the wrong number. Surety told Metro: "I still get imposter syndrome around everything I do. I sit there at night and think: 'Am I really going to do that tomorrow?' "For example, driving up here [to the Championship League] and I've had Neil Robertson text me asking if I fancy a couple of games next week? "His name pops up on my phone. I'm thinking: 'Are you sure you've got the right number?' "I feel like I'm still…the imposter syndrome is still there every day but I do feel like I'm more of a player. "I'm going in the club in the morning, I know what I'm doing and I'm happier away from the table. "That's the biggest thing, away from the table, because there were times I just didn't want to play anymore. "But now with my girlfriend, we have a laugh in the evening, we have a laugh at the club which is a lot more chill, I think." Snooker fans baffled as star who's not won a match all year knocks in staggering 147 break Surety is still dealing with some of those negative thoughts while playing at top level. However, the snooker star knows how much he has improved and that has raised his confidence. Surety added: "Every time I'm playing, I'm still sort of thinking…the thoughts haven't changed, but I'm aware that I'm doing a bit better, so obviously that brings confidence. "But I never really feel still settled out there, I'm still a bit edgy. I'm waiting for that day when I go: 'You know, I think I belong here today'. And who knows, it might happen one day. "The only time it's happened was the second session at the Crucible. Which is mad, considering how I feel most of the time. "I do sit in my seat trying to think differently and something has changed, definitely, with the runs I've had. "Obviously it might put your opponents under pressure. You might be getting the odd chance more. I suppose that's just natural. "I've got to keep riding now. I've got to keep going. Hopefully more doors open. "Ali Carter's texted me to play next week. How good's that! I'll still be thinking like, what are you doing texting me? "But I've got it all sorted at the moment. I'll keep pushing on and hopefully go to the next level."
The Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Snooker stars offered chance to bag £441,000 bonus for unprecedented feat – even if they don't win a game
SNOOKER STARS will once again bank a £147,000 bonus if they make two maximum breaks at selected events this season. Welshman Jackson Page earned the bumper payday when he historically made two 147 clearances in the same World Championship qualifier. 2 2 Yet he ended up missing out on the Crucible as he lost 10-7 to Joe O'Connor. The initiative will go live this campaign but the feat has to be performed twice at one of four major tournaments, either in qualifying or main-draw matches. For it to count, it has to happen at one of the prestigious Triple Crown events – the UK Championship, the Masters or the Worlds. Or at the second staging of the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters in Jeddah, which starts on Friday, and has a £500,000 prize for the champion. The 147 bonus was first introduced in 2023-24 but nobody was able to scoop that jackpot. Up to three players could win this bonus – or should one player make six maximums, which is highly unlikely, then they would bank up to £441,000. Page, 23, used the money to help buy a house for his family but at the time he said he would have swapped it for the chance to play at the hallowed Sheffield theatre. The world No.34 said: 'I'll be going for it again this season. 'The feeling when I potted the last black of the second 147, I can't describe how that felt, it was an incredible buzz. 'It's life-changing money. But also the feeling of achieving something that no player had done before. 'It definitely brings extra excitement to each tournament and I'm sure a lot of players will have an eye on 147 chances in Jeddah.'
The Irish Sun
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Record-breaking snooker star Jackson Page launches new side hustle after landing £147,000 bonus
SNOOKER star Jackson Page has put his historic £147,000 prize money to good use - and opened up his own shop. The 23-year-old made history earlier this year after becoming the 2 Jackson Page has put his £147,000 bonus to good use Credit: Getty Page achieved the feat during a World Championship qualifying win over Allan Taylor in April. The Welsh star bagged a £147k bonus for his trouble - a figure he Page declared he will use some of the cash to get on the housing ladder. But he's also poured some of the bonus into a new business venture. READ MORE ON SNOOKER Page is now the proud owner of a trading card and collectables shop. He opened AJs Trading Cards in Brynmawr, south Wales, late last month. The store stocks collectables and toys ranging from Pokémon card to Lego. Page told the WST earlier this year: "Everyone on tour knows that I am really into collectable stuff like Pokémon Cards and other things. Most read in Snooker BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK "I just decided it would be great to open up a shop as a bit of a thing on the side. "'It is a bit of an interest for me and something I like to do when I'm not focusing on snooker. Stephen Hendry hails most underrated rival who 'should have won a lot more' "It has been a brilliant experience seeing it open up, I obviously can't work in there as I'm a snooker player but I've got someone to work there and it is a good hobby to have. "We've got all sorts of things in there like Lego sets and Plushies, as well as the trading cards. "We've got a few cards in there worth over £2,000. The most valuable and rare Pokémon card we have is called a Moonbreon." Page is currently ranked as the world No.33. He turned pro in 2019 and this year reached his first final at the Championship League. 2 Despite bagging the huge 147 jackpot, Page claimed he would have swapped the money for a place at the Crucible. The Welshman narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Worlds, losing 10-7 to Joe O'Connor on Judgement Day. Page said: "Obviously the titles mean more than the money, so I'm still gutted. "You've got a chance of winning if you're there and I was here to win the tournament. I'm not now. 'I know this might sound silly but I think I'd rather be at the Crucible. 'Last year I was hammered (by Ronnie O'Sullivan) but I was there. I would like to end there, but I've just got to say to myself that I don't want to play at qualifying again."
The Irish Sun
07-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘Blessed' – Snooker icon reveals new business venture after becoming third world champ to take residency in Hong Kong
SNOOKER star Neil Robertson has revealed he has taken up residency in Hong Kong. The 2010 world champion has been based in Cambridge with his Norwegian 3 Neil Robertson has revealed why he has moved to Hong Kong Credit: Alamy 3 He becomes the third snooker legend to have a place in Hong Kong Credit: Alamy But on his Asian switch, The Aussie continued in a post written on Chinese social media site Weibo: "This is not only a significant moment for me personally, but also an honour for our entire family. "Hong Kong has always been my blessed land. "I have achieved many great successes here and have forged a deep friendship with this city. READ MORE IN SNOOKER 'This identity will make it easier for me to travel to Hong Kong more frequently and expand business cooperation. "Regarding future development plans in Hong Kong, I have made full preparations and will share them with you soon.' Robertson has followed in The trio have moved following the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, which aims to attract "highly skilled or talented persons" to Hong Kong to boost the economy. Most read in Snooker BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK O'Sullivan's residency was confirmed in 2019 and The world No1 is dating Hong Kong figure skater and TV presenter 3 Robertson's wife Mille and their kids have residency cards too Credit: Instagram
The Irish Sun
03-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘Daylight robbery' – Snooker fans fume after being denied Crucible refunds as World Snooker forced to put out statement
SNOOKER fans have been denied a refund despite no play on Saturday afternoon at the Crucible. Zhao Xintong's Advertisement 3 Dennis Taylor and Steve Davis played an exhibition game at the Crucible on Saturday Credit: Alamy 3 Some fans were left unimpressed after shelling out for a ticket to watch Ronnie O'Sullivan Credit: Alamy 3 The Rocket was KO'd by Zhao Xintong on Friday night, leaving the schedule open Credit: Reuters FOLLOW ALL THE CRUCIBLE ACTION WITH OUR LIVE BLOG It meant there was no competitive action during Saturday's afternoon session at the Crucible. An The event ran from 2.30pm until approximately 4pm, including a short interval. Advertisement READ MORE ON SNOOKER The World Snooker Tour said its box office terms and conditions meant it was "unable to offer ticket refunds or exchanges" to fans. But that has not gone down well with spectators expecting to see seven-time champion Responding to the announcement on X, Andy Wilson wrote: "Like both Steve and Dennis but I paid £115 for my seat yesterday. "Endlessly rolling out the old guys isn't an answer today. But WST do like to keep their money. Refunds can and should be made." Advertisement Most read in Snooker Exclusive Another response, from Luigi di Falco, read: "It's pretty much daylight robbery. "Those semi-final tickets were so expensive to not offer refunds you should be ashamed." BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK While a third fan fumed: "£143 to watch Dennis & Steve play a s*** exhibition frame and waffle on about 1985 for an hour & a half. Advertisement "And no refunds offered from @WeAreWST. SHOCKING on both parts!" Ronnie O'Sullivan's match descends into chaos as table BREAKS during World Snooker Championship semi-final In a statement released to the PA news agency, the WST said: "We are putting together a fantastic exhibition this afternoon featuring all-time snooker legends. "We realise that fans come from all over the world to enjoy the Crucible experience so our intention is to provide the best possible entertainment in these circumstances. "This is the first time in over a decade that a semi-final has finished a session early. Advertisement "It is a very rare occurrence and unfortunately beyond our control." World Snooker Championship 2025 WE are now into the final days of what has been a THRILLING World Snooker Championship! A new world champion will be crowned this year after Heavyweights such as John Higgins and Mark Selby have also fallen as we head to the final on Sunday and Monday. In the other semi-final, World No 1 and tournament favourite You can follow every frame of the tournament LIVE - plus the latest news, interviews and reaction - as it happens with our dedicated BLOG. Latest News Snooker Explained FULL schedule and results for 2025 How much prize money can be won? Who are the BBC snooker presenters and pundits? What is on Zhao Xintong's bowtie? Zhao, 28, will face either Williams put together a strong run during Saturday's morning session, taking control of the match. He leads 13-11 going into this evening's session, which begins at 7pm. Advertisement
