Rounding up the week's snooker news in 147 seconds...

Rounding up the week's snooker news in 147 seconds...

The 147: May 2nd, 2023

The 147: April 25th, 2023

The 147: April 18th, 2023

Snooker legend Cliff Thorburn, who made the first Crucible maximum break 40 years ago, looks back on his amazing career in the new episode of the WST Podcast. Canada's Thorburn recalls his World Championship triumph in 1980, that 147 in 1983, and many other remarkable moments and anecdotes from his life in a wide-ranging interview.

Snooker legend Cliff Thorburn, who made the first Crucible maximum break 40 years ago, looks back on his amazing career in the new episode of the WST Podcast. Canada's Thorburn recalls his World Championship triumph in 1980, that 147 in 1983, and many other remarkable moments and anecdotes from his life in a wide-ranging interview.

New WST Podcast Episode With Cliff Thorburn

The 147: April 11th, 2023

Joe Johnson

With the annual Crucible marathon just days away, Joe Johnson looks back to his extraordinary 1986 World Championship triumph in the new episode of the WST Podcast. Johnson recalls the moments when he beat Steve Davis in the final, and reflects on how it changed his life forever. He said: "After the final I went with my wife  to the snooker club, there were hundreds of people there to greet us. We were there until about 4.30am then went home. The next morning, about 8am, we heard a tapping on the window. There were press boys, on ladders, knocking on the bedroom window, trying to get pictures through the curtains. We got up and invited everyone into out little house, made them a cup of tea and talked about winning the world title. At that time, everyone in England knew who you were."

With the annual Crucible marathon just days away, Joe Johnson looks back to his extraordinary 1986 World Championship triumph in the new episode of the WST Podcast. Johnson recalls the moments when he beat Steve Davis in the final, and reflects on how it changed his life forever. He said: "After the final I went with my wife  to the snooker club, there were hundreds of people there to greet us. We were there until about 4.30am then went home. The next morning, about 8am, we heard a tapping on the window. There were press boys, on ladders, knocking on the bedroom window, trying to get pictures through the curtains. We got up and invited everyone into out little house, made them a cup of tea and talked about winning the world title. At that time, everyone in England knew who you were."

New WST Podcast Episode With Joe Johnson

The 147: April 4th, 2023

Joe O'Connor reflects on the best season of his career so far in the new episode of the WST Podcast. The Leicester cueman recalls his run to the final of the Scottish Open and also looks ahead to the Cazoo World Championship qualifying rounds which started today. "It would be a dream to make it to the TV stages, that's the pinnacle of our sport," said world number 30 O'Connor, who is the highest ranked player yet to play at the Crucible. "I have lost in the final round twice, hopefully this time I can make it and finish off an incredible season."

Joe O'Connor reflects on the best season of his career so far in the new episode of the WST Podcast. The Leicester cueman recalls his run to the final of the Scottish Open and also looks ahead to the Cazoo World Championship qualifying rounds which started today. "It would be a dream to make it to the TV stages, that's the pinnacle of our sport," said world number 30 O'Connor, who is the highest ranked player yet to play at the Crucible. "I have lost in the final round twice, hopefully this time I can make it and finish off an incredible season."

New WST Podcast Episode With Joe O’Connor

The 147: March 28th, 2023

Michael Holt

Michael Holt admits that his ambition is to regain a place on the World Snooker Tour, despite the success of his coaching venture, in the new episode of the WST Podcast. Former Shoot Out champion Holt was relegated from the circuit last year and has since spent much of his time coaching amateur players. "It's going amazing, I have been very flattered by the feedback," he said. "I didn't realise this world was out there, but I can make a living from it. The main goal is to get back on tour, but if I do that I would definitely still keep the coaching going, maybe limiting it to 15 hours a week. I enjoy it. I had been around professionals forever, where everyone is good. I forgot how hard people find snooker. What I've realised is that technique is only five per cent of it. People think they are going to be good if their cue action is like Neil Robertson. But Neil isn't only a good player because he cues well, there's so much more to it. Players get wrapped up in changing things in their technique - I call it the circle of death. "But I want to get back on the tour because I think I'm still more than good enough, and as long as that's the case I'll keep trying. You're not too old to play in your 40s, as long as your eyes are ok. The best player in the world is 47. If I got back on, my main goal would just be to enjoy it. The biggest tragedy of my career is that I have enjoyed everything except the matches. The matches have been an ordeal for me at times. Even I just get two more years, I would want to enjoy it."

Michael Holt admits that his ambition is to regain a place on the World Snooker Tour, despite the success of his coaching venture, in the new episode of the WST Podcast. Former Shoot Out champion Holt was relegated from the circuit last year and has since spent much of his time coaching amateur players. "It's going amazing, I have been very flattered by the feedback," he said. "I didn't realise this world was out there, but I can make a living from it. The main goal is to get back on tour, but if I do that I would definitely still keep the coaching going, maybe limiting it to 15 hours a week. I enjoy it. I had been around professionals forever, where everyone is good. I forgot how hard people find snooker. What I've realised is that technique is only five per cent of it. People think they are going to be good if their cue action is like Neil Robertson. But Neil isn't only a good player because he cues well, there's so much more to it. Players get wrapped up in changing things in their technique - I call it the circle of death. "But I want to get back on the tour because I think I'm still more than good enough, and as long as that's the case I'll keep trying. You're not too old to play in your 40s, as long as your eyes are ok. The best player in the world is 47. If I got back on, my main goal would just be to enjoy it. The biggest tragedy of my career is that I have enjoyed everything except the matches. The matches have been an ordeal for me at times. Even I just get two more years, I would want to enjoy it."

New Podcast Episode With Michael Holt

The world's leading snooker players join Michael McMullan to reflect on the biggest moments of their careers. Released weekly on Mondays.

The 147: March 21st, 2023

Victor Sarkis

South America's top player Victor Sarkis joins us for the new episode of the WST Podcast. The Brazilian ace recalls his victory at the 2021 Pan-American Championship with deep emotion, as his father was seriously ill in hospital at the time. Sarkis also reflects on his first few months as a tour pro, and explains why he is sure he will climb into the world's top 64.

South America's top player Victor Sarkis joins us for the new episode of the WST Podcast. The Brazilian ace recalls his victory at the 2021 Pan-American Championship with deep emotion, as his father was seriously ill in hospital at the time. Sarkis also reflects on his first few months as a tour pro, and explains why he is sure he will climb into the world's top 64.

New WST Podcast Episode With Victor Sarkis

Mark Allen

Rob Walker sits down with man of the season Mark Allen to look back on his biggest matches at the Crucible and look ahead to this year's Cazoo World Championship.

Rob Walker sits down with man of the season Mark Allen to look back on his biggest matches at the Crucible and look ahead to this year's Cazoo World Championship.

BONUS CONTENT! Mark Allen Interview

The 147: March 14th, 2023

Oliver Lines reflects on his time as a tour pro in the new episode of the WST Podcast. Lines discusses his friendship with Judd Trump, his run to the quarter-finals of the 2022 Turkish Masters and the time he played his dad Peter in a ranking event.

Oliver Lines reflects on his time as a tour pro in the new episode of the WST Podcast. Lines discusses his friendship with Judd Trump, his run to the quarter-finals of the 2022 Turkish Masters and the time he played his dad Peter in a ranking event.

New WST Podcast Episode With Oliver Lines

The 147: March 7th, 2023

Alexander Ursenbacher

Switzerland's top player Alexander Ursenbacher reflects on his outstanding record against Ronnie O'Sullivan in the new episode of the WST Podcast. Aside from one Championship League defeat, Ursenbacher has won all three of his meetings with World Champion O'Sullivan, at the 2019 Welsh Open, 2020 UK Championship and 2022 British Open. "After the first time I beat Ronnie, I really started to believe that I can beat anyone if I play well," said the former English Open semi-finalist. "When I drew him again in the UK, I didn't fear him, I just felt this is exciting, to be playing the greatest ever at one of the biggest tournaments. He brings the best mindset out of me because it's the ultimate test. If you are not up for that, I don't know why you are holding a cue."

Switzerland's top player Alexander Ursenbacher reflects on his outstanding record against Ronnie O'Sullivan in the new episode of the WST Podcast. Aside from one Championship League defeat, Ursenbacher has won all three of his meetings with World Champion O'Sullivan, at the 2019 Welsh Open, 2020 UK Championship and 2022 British Open. "After the first time I beat Ronnie, I really started to believe that I can beat anyone if I play well," said the former English Open semi-finalist. "When I drew him again in the UK, I didn't fear him, I just felt this is exciting, to be playing the greatest ever at one of the biggest tournaments. He brings the best mindset out of me because it's the ultimate test. If you are not up for that, I don't know why you are holding a cue."

New WST Podcast Episode With Alexander Ursenbacher

The 147:28/2/2023

David Grace

Former UK Championship semi-finalist David Grace is in the hot seat for the new episode of the WST Podcast. Grace looks back on his brilliant run to the last four in York back in 2015, as well as his semi-final appearance at the 2020 Northern Ireland Open and his silver medal at the 2009 World Games. The Yorkshireman also discusses his talent for painting portraits of snooker players.

Former UK Championship semi-finalist David Grace is in the hot seat for the new episode of the WST Podcast. Grace looks back on his brilliant run to the last four in York back in 2015, as well as his semi-final appearance at the 2020 Northern Ireland Open and his silver medal at the 2009 World Games. The Yorkshireman also discusses his talent for <a href="http://www.davidgracesnooker.co.uk/artwork.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">painting portraits</a> of snooker players.

New WST Podcast Episode With David Grace

The 147: February 21st, 2023

I love the banter and inside knowledge. I hope this podcast keeps the same relaxed atmosphere. Best part is the road stories! It’s about time a good snooker podcast came out.

Great!

World Snooker Tour Podcast

Neil Robertson

David Grace and Louis Heathcote join Kieran Poole to chat ironing, painting other players and terrible Tweets. Plus, David is challenged to a match using only a coat hanger. Get involved by telling us the strangest place you have spotted a snooker player using the hashtag #SnookerTableTalk. Recorded at the UK Championship in York. 

David Grace and Louis Heathcote join Kieran Poole to chat ironing, painting other players and terrible Tweets. Plus, David is challenged to a match using only a coat hanger. Get involved by telling us the strangest place you have spotted a snooker player using the hashtag <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SnookerTableTalk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#SnookerTableTalk</a>. Recorded at the UK Championship in York.

David Grace reckons Neil Robertson is the nicest to paint

Barry Hearn

We sit down with Barry Hearn in his office to discuss the rebrand of World Snooker to the WST (World Snooker Tour). Plus, in the quick fire round, we discover whether Barry thinks he could beat his son Eddie on the snooker table, in the boxing ring or at the dart oche. Recorded at Matchroom Sport H.Q. with Kieran Poole.

We sit down with Barry Hearn in his office to discuss the rebrand of World Snooker to the WST (World Snooker Tour). Plus, in the quick fire round, we discover whether Barry thinks he could beat his son Eddie on the snooker table, in the boxing ring or at the dart oche. Recorded at Matchroom Sport H.Q. with Kieran Poole.

Bonus: Barry Hearn on World Snooker's latest rebrand

Jan Verhaas

Referees Jan Verhaas and Brendan Moore join Kieran Poole to chat who is the best with the white gloves, the wonders of VAR and what on Earth is the difference between an umpire and referee. Get involved by telling us the strangest place you have spotted a snooker player using the hashtag #SnookerTableTalk. Recorded at the UK Championship in York. 

Referees Jan Verhaas and Brendan Moore join Kieran Poole to chat who is the best with the white gloves, the wonders of VAR and what on Earth is the difference between an umpire and referee. Get involved by telling us the strangest place you have spotted a snooker player using the hashtag <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SnookerTableTalk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#SnookerTableTalk</a>. Recorded at the UK Championship in York.

Jan Verhaas loves a bit of Kylie 

Iranian snooker player Soheil Vahedi has a fascinating story to tell. Currently ranked 113th in the world, Soheil really does stand out as he shows us all how sport has the power to liberate.  Recorded at the UK Championship in York with Kieran Poole.

Iranian snooker player Soheil Vahedi has a fascinating story to tell. Currently ranked 113th in the world, Soheil really does stand out as he shows us all how sport has the power to liberate.  Recorded at the UK Championship in York with Kieran Poole.

Bonus: We meet Soheil Vahedi

Gary Wilson

Elliot Slessor

Gary Wilson and Elliot Slessor sit down with Kieran Poole in the Snooker Shoot Out players lounge to chat packing cripsy pancakes, training as a lifeguard and shoe recommendations. Get involved by telling us the strangest place you have spotted a snooker player using the hashtag #SnookerTableTalk. Recorded at the Snooker Shoot Out in Watford.

Gary Wilson and Elliot Slessor sit down with Kieran Poole in the Snooker Shoot Out players lounge to chat packing cripsy pancakes, training as a lifeguard and shoe recommendations. Get involved by telling us the strangest place you have spotted a snooker player using the hashtag <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SnookerTableTalk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#SnookerTableTalk</a>. Recorded at the Snooker Shoot Out in Watford.

Gary Wilson and Elliot Slessor teach us Geordie

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