Interviews – Pro Snooker Blog

Kyren Reflects On Shanghai Fairytale

September 24, 2015September 24, 2015 matt2745 1 Comment

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Just a few days ago 23-year-old Kyren Wilson was the last man standing at the Shanghai Masters as he defeated Judd Trump 10-9 to win his first ranking event title.

On Tuesday I caught up with the new world number 22 as he looked back at a memorable week that incredibly might never have been, with a visa scare at one stage threatening his participation at the venue stages.

Kyren also discusses how he has rediscovered his form after a difficult 2014/15, as well as thanking some of those who have helped him most along the way…

Interview: Taylor’s New Outlook

July 26, 2015July 26, 2015 matt2745 Leave a comment

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Allan Taylor turned professional at the start of the 2013/14 season and initially found results hard to come by, but with the help of the late Vic Harris showed improvement during his second year, eventually earning a fresh two-year tour card thanks to his position on the European Order of Merit.

With the resumption of the new campaign fast approaching, I spoke to Allan to talk about his first two years on tour, his bond with Vic Harris and his new outlook on his snooker career…

Interview: Hallworth Targets Tour Survival

July 24, 2015July 24, 2015 matt2745 1 Comment

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When Michael White trailed 19-year-old Steven Hallworth 4-0 at the first mid-session interval of their World Championship qualifying match back in April, the scoreline was more than enough to raise a few eyebrows, even amongst those of us inside of the snooker bubble.

Though White was able to recover to take a 10-8 victory, Hallworth had acquitted himself well and turning to the 2015/16 season is now looking to do enough to successfully retain his place on tour.

That being the case, I caught up with Steven to reflect upon his rookie professional season, look to the future and more…

A Chat With Eurosport’s Rolf Kalb

November 18, 2014November 18, 2014 matt2745 1 Comment

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When thinking of snooker in Germany, it is impossible to do so without thinking of Eurosport commentator and tournament MC Rolf Kalb, who over the past 30 years has done more than probably anybody else to help promote the game in the country.

Ahead of the Ruhr Open, this season’s second professional event to be staged in Germany, I caught up with Rolf to learn a little more about him and how snooker’s popularity has grown in recent years…

The Big Mark Allen Interview – Part Two

September 13, 2014September 13, 2014 matt2745 Leave a comment

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Tomorrow afternoon in Shanghai, Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen will contest his fourth career full-ranking event final against Stuart Bingham, so what better time for me to publish part two of my recent interview with him, as I ask him whether his views on the recent developments in snooker have changed since his memorable press conference at the UK Championship back in 2011, while we also talk young players and his interests away from the table…

The Big Mark Allen Interview – Part One

September 11, 2014September 11, 2014 matt2745 Leave a comment

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It has been a strong start to the season so far for Paul Hunter Classic winner Mark Allen and recently I caught up with Northern Ireland’s number one player ahead of this week’s Shanghai Masters, to discuss a range of subjects as he gave a typically honest assessment on matters past and present.

Click below for part one of our chat, as we discuss his start to the season, look back at the last campaign, his decision to leave On Q Promotions earlier this summer and also consider how his early exposure to televised tournaments helped him to rise up the rankings as quickly as he did…

The Big Neil Robertson Interview – Part Two

August 1, 2014August 1, 2014 matt2745 Leave a comment

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Following on from part one earlier in the week, click below for the second part of my recent chat with world number one Neil Robertson, as we discuss the development of his game, look back on his 2010 world title triumph and also some of the things that Neil likes to do off the table.

All comments and feedback on both this and the first part of the interview are welcome at the bottom of the article…

The Big Neil Robertson Interview – Part One

July 30, 2014July 30, 2014 matt2745 3 Comments

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During recent seasons, current world number one Neil Robertson has been one of the most consistent winners on the professional circuit, last year completing a career ‘triple crown’ with his victory at the UK Championship in York, as well as famously becoming the first player ever to compile more than 100 competitive century breaks during a single season.

With the return of professional snooker now just around the corner, I recently caught up with the Australian to talk about a wide range of subjects from his achievements on the table, the opportunities now available to younger players, ranking lists and playing conditions, to his off-table interests such as football, video games and HBO’s Game of Thrones saga.

Click below for part one of my chat with Neil…