February 6, 2012, 4:14 pm
This time yesterday afternoon, I wasn't in the best of moods. Not because I had been well beat in the German Masters semi-final the night before by Stephen Maguire - although that didn't help. No, I was feeling well and truly fed up because my flight home from Berlin had been severely delayed.
Instead of flying back just after 4pm, we didn't take off until nearer eight. Suffice to say, the Departures Lounge at Berlin Airport wouldn't be my favourite spot to sit and pass the time of day. The life of a snooker pro has many upsides, but it didn't particularly feel that way for a while yesterday!
I did, though, have plenty of spare time to reflect on my form in the German Masters. Although it was, of course, disappointing to lose in the manner I did in the semi-finals, that defeat aside I had a cracking time in Germany at a brilliantly run and well supported event.
I had my chances against Stephen and might well have shared the first four frames on another day.But he played extremely well and was in great form all week as he also showed by beating the reigning World champion John Higgins 5-0 - and by knocking in three centuries in as many frames in the final against Ronnie.
Anyway, I'm back practising this week with the Welsh Open around the corner. So, I'm planning on recharging the batteries ahead of that - plus I've got a bit of media work and a possible charity link-up to keep me occupied.
Oh, and I'vealso got an appointment first thing Wednesday morning to organise a visa that will allow me to play in next month's China Open. See, I told you it was all glamour being a snooker pro!
Mignon says
February 6, 2012, 5:08 pm
Not the best mood was perfectly natural. Fortunately, you always have something to fall back on: your sense of humour. Great gift that one and less frequent than one might think. Unexpected defeat in Berlin, but very few players (if indeed any) could have defeated such a determined and 'on fire' Mags. John Higgins couldn't either so you're not in bad company. Maybe the airport delay was a good thing after all as it meant that the necessary post-defeat reflection was done there & then and done with (under the circumstances, sorry to quote Mags here as he said something about 'water under the bridge' lol). Battle scars. Almost as valuable as the trophies because they mean as many lessons at least in learning more about yourself. Good luck!Simon cole says
February 7, 2012, 6:45 pm
Goodluck shaun in wales next week hope you keep up the great form how the running going are you training well for may goodluck with that i think what your doing is great i will leave another post the day of your next match oh long wait in germany i waited 18 hours in spain for my plane lol.Simon cole says
February 13, 2012, 11:33 am
Goodluck for your match later shaun all the best keep up the great form.Simon cole says
February 13, 2012, 5:03 pm
Great win shaun you didnt get going at the start of the match but i think when you got your first frame you got into gear and shown why your an great player now you face steve davis in the next round thats going to be an great match.
Responses (4)