Scottish Snooker Star Anthony McGill Laments His Playing Style after Missing Shot at World Final
Anthony McGill, the Scottish snooker sensation, came within one ball of reaching the World Championship final against Ronnie O’Sullivan in 2020. However, despite his impressive skills and being a two-time ranking-event winner, McGill has confessed that he despises his own playing style. McGill’s dream of a maiden Crucible final was thwarted by a fluke green from Kyren Wilson in a thrilling hour-long final-frame decider, resulting in a 16-15 defeat. Years later, McGill continues to express dissatisfaction with his approach to the game, finding it too slow and calculated.
McGill, known for his methodical playing style, compares snooker to his other passion, chess, as he strategically maneuvers through the frames. In a bid to improve, he even sought guidance from former world champion Peter Ebdon, renowned for his plodding potting style. However, before facing Ricky Walden in the Welsh Open’s last 16, the world No.25 admitted his lack of confidence and his disdain for his own playing style.
Expressing his frustration, McGill shared, I just hate the way I play snooker. I’m just so slow all the time. I don’t like it. I don’t do it on purpose. I just doubt myself. It’s all in the head isn’t it? It’s such a tough game between the ears. Snooker is a game and games need to be played. They shouldn’t be calculated to the ninth degree, and I just get too caught up in my thoughts sometimes.
Despite his self-criticism, McGill has proven himself to be a formidable opponent on snooker’s biggest stage. The Crucible, known as Snooker’s Mecca, has often witnessed his outstanding performances. His record at the Crucible boasts victories over top players, including a stunning debut run to the quarter-finals in 2015, where he defeated defending champion Mark Selby. McGill further showcased his abilities when he triumphed over Ronnie O’Sullivan in a momentous last-16 clash, winning by a narrow margin of 13-12. Last season, he outplayed world No.2 Judd Trump, reinforcing his skills and potential.
McGill reflects on his mental state and believes that rediscovering joy and playing more swiftly may be the key to his improvement. He added, I don’t know when I started to feel this way. I just need to play quicker and enjoy it really. At the end of the day, it’s not life and death, and I need to remember that I just need to play.
World No.1 Ronnie O’Sullivan, currently holding the UK Championship and Masters titles, is an ardent admirer of McGill’s talent. O’Sullivan emphasizes the significance of temperament in the game of snooker, stating that it poses the greatest challenge to all players. Comparing the sport to the most frustrating one on the planet, O’Sullivan notes that Stephen Hendry is a rare exception due to his exceptional technical skills.
As a Glasgow native, McGill’s passion extends beyond snooker. He is a die-hard Celtic fan and holds a season ticket for Parkhead. In a previous interview, McGill mentioned that his family resides between Parkhead and Tollcross, with a view of Celtic Park from their window. He humorously remarked that if the Emirates Stadium were taller, he would be able to see it as well.
Anthony McGill’s journey in snooker is a testament to his talent and determination. As he prepares to face Ricky Walden in the Welsh Open, McGill aims to conquer the mental challenges and rediscover the joy of playing the game.
