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Snooker Chat Transcript
with John Higgins and Anthony Hamilton
April 29th 2002
Did you join John Higgins and Anthony Hamilton in the SnookerChat event on Monday 29th April? Read the transcript below:
BBC Snooker Host: Right then .. off we go , 1st question ..
Snooker Baby: John, you're known as the Wizard of Wishaw, so my question is; if you had a magic wand for the day, what would you do!?
John Higgins: I don't really know... turn the other quarter-finalists into frogs!
Joel: Do you go to the gym?
John Higgins: No! I started playing badminton with my friends... the gym is too boring
John Irvine: John, when did u start snooker and when and how did u turn professional?
John Higgins: I was 9 when I started playing I turned professional at 18
Ross Mcc: Does John agree that Lorenzo Amoruso is the best football player in Scotland?
John Higgins: No! It's got to be Paul Lambert
Sarindar Singh: Has the birth of your son inspired you to further goals
John Higgins: Yes, I've got to be at a good standard so when my son watches the TV he can be proud of me
Alastair Bocker: I worked with your brother in Motorola John.....how’s he getting on now?
John Higgins: He's doing well, he's actually working for the Bank of Scotland, he'll soon be Manager !
Andy Asif: How many hours a day do you train for?
John Higgins: about five to six days
Sarah S: John, why r so sexy?
John Higgins: can you please tell me more!
Bald Eagle: What do you think about the way Quintin Hann has been breaking?
John Higgins: It's entirley up to him what he wants to do ..some people have said it's wrong but he should be able to do what he wants. I think some people have got it in for him a bit
Phil B: John, whereabouts in Scotland are you actually from?
John Higgins: Wishaw
Graham Kerr: Do you feel you are playing at your best? After watching you go 8-0 up against Graeme Dott, I said the final would be between you and Ronnie. After the match Graeme seemed to agree
John Higgins: I have played some of my best stuff. Hopefully I can keep it up
malcolm stickle: how much will Celtic beat Rangers in the final ?
John Higgins: I think it will be close but I think we will win 4-0
Tim C: Who's the blonde lass on the left, she's well smart
John Higgins: I don't know I've not been introduced !!
Martin P: who has more charisma, Steve Davis or Mark Williams?
John Higgins: it's a tough one, I'd go for Davis
Karen: Who has been your hardest component so far?
John Higgins: I would say Peter Ebdon. he gave me my hardest game since I became professional
Keith Lynch: Dear John, you were in a local watering hole of mine about 2 years ago, in Kirkby, Liverpool? What I want to ask is do you have relations in Kirkby?
John Higgins: No, I’ve got some good friends! but no relations
Joel Mack: What is your most embarrassing moment on the circuit and why?
John Higgins: I've fallen over a few times! Nothing else really
Peter A: getting back to snooker, why do I have problems potting a ball that cuts to the left and find cuts to the right easy?
John Higgins: you’re maybe putting some unwanted side on the cue ball
David Eglin: John, I play a lot of pool... How difficult would you say it is to transfer across to snooker, and what is the most difficult snooker skill to learn?
John Higgins: the two are very different, if any of the top snooker players ever wanted to play pool they would need at least a year .. it's a lot harder game
Robert: have u set yourself any personal goals as to how many world titles you’d like to win John
John Higgins: No, I’d just like to win as many as possible
Paul Sykes: John, have you always had the same cue? have you every modified it?
John Higgins: the cue I'm using is about 3 years old
Peter Struik: Who would you like to play in the final of this years embassy?
John Higgins: Hendry .. It's an ambition to play another Scot ;-)
Danny Fitzpatrick:: Looking at the way things have turned out in this tournament so far, do you think the older players like John Parrett and Steve Davis have any chance off winning?
John Higgins: N,o not any more
Jonathan Williams: Who in your eyes is the best up and coming player?
John Higgins: There's a young kid from Wales .. I don't know his name, I watched him here last year and he's brilliant
Barry McLaughlin: John, hello from everyone in Derry. How does your form now compare with your form when you won the world title? And how do you think the Celts will do in the premier league when they eventually join it?
John Higgins: my form compares very well and Celtic will finish in the top six in the first season and then the sky’s the limit
BBC Snooker Host Anthony Hamilton has just joined us now !
RonniestheBest: Who do you admire the most?
John Higgins: Steve Davis
Anthony Hamilton: John Higgins! .. I'd go for Davis as well
Nick Bradley: Who do you practice with on the circuit?
John Higgins: I play with fellow professionals
Anthony Hamilton: I play with Ronnie and Nick Walker and Mark King
Jeni Dolan: John do you believe in ghost or spirits?
John Higgins: Yes. I was playing at a tournament in Derby a few years ago and I was sure there was a ghost behind me .. Do you remember Ant?
Celtic: Anthony, are you the Tony Knowles of the 21st Century?
Anthony Hamilton: In what context is that? .. Yes !
Tom Jenks: Anthony...does your beard affect your cueing action?
Anthony Hamilton: Yes
John Higgins: Does it ever nip it?
Anthony Hamilton: No !
Lee Kelleher: have you two always been exceptional even when you were younger?
John Higgins: it took a lot of hard work
Anthony Hamilton: I was good at it straight away!
John Cleland: Anthony - are you a forest fan?
Anthony Hamilton: Yes
Helen: If you could be another snooker player for a day who would you choose?
John Higgins: It would have to be Jimmy White
Anthony Hamilton: Dominic Dale to see what he's thinking!
Jonathan Williams: Ant, what’s your favourite venue to play?
Anthony Hamilton: The B&H
John Higgins: Yes
Rab B: John......Anthony looks off his head.....is he really?
John Higgins: When he gets the Jack Daniels into him he's off his head!!!
Anthony Hamilton: Anything does it!
Fiona Tennant: Hi John, do you feel you could win the title this year? I hope you continue to play well and lift the title for a second time.
John Higgins: I hope so, there are still a lot of other good players
Alison Smith: John, what are you planning on doing if you progress to the later stages of the competition when it comes to 3 p.m. on Saturday?
John Higgins: I've looked at the draw and I will be able to watch the final, the semi-final is on in the morning and evening
Derek Baker: How many 147's have you made in your life including practice matches?
Anthony Hamilton: about 100
Martin Gormley: When taking a shot using check side how do I compensate for the slight loss of control of speed?
Anthony Hamilton: Don't ask difficult questions! You have to hit the ball slightly harder and aim a bit thicker
Marty Houston: How do dwarfs manage to pick strawberries from 10 ft high cherry trees?
Anthony Hamilton: (laughs) well you just pick one that you want - you don't have to get it
Rene Neefjes: Anthony, do you like it when they call you the Robin Hood of snooker?
Anthony Hamilton: Yes, cause I nick from the rich like this guy sitting next to me and give to myself ;-)
Rowan Gilmore: What’s the most embarrassing thing you've ever done in a professional competition?
Anthony Hamilton: I picked the white up against Mark Williams at the B&H when I thought it had gone and the referee was looking at me .. I couldn't work out why !
Andrew Hulbert: How old were you when you won your first snooker tournament John?
John Higgins: 18 .. or was I?
Anthony Hamilton: I don't know who he is!
Christian Randolph: Anthony, do you think John looks like Trevor from Eastenders?
John Higgins: A lot of people have told me that, I just don't see the similarity !
Carly Chawner: who do u think has been "cheated "out of the title ?
Anthony Hamilton: Quentin Hann, he has shown great resolve
John Higgins: Here, here ..
Lee Wallis: Anthony what was all the laughing about in your match today? -Clive Everton did not have a clue!
Anthony Hamilton: Somebody shouted something out in a funny voice !!
Neil Jones: How long did it take to grow your beard, ants?
Anthony Hamilton: I don't know... a week?
cue man: is there a dress code for the crucible as most young players wear colourful shirts and no bow ties .. I remember J.P. wearing a tie !
John Higgins: you have to wear a bow-tie, you can get out of wearing one with a doctor's note if you get a shaving rash!
Anthony Hamilton: it seem to be only me wearing one this year!
Simon Edwards: ant, how do you feel about beating the world no.1 ?
Anthony Hamilton: elated!
Claire: What did you do with your first pay cheque?
Anthony Hamilton: It was the dole so I stuck it in the bank! It was only £30 what can you do with that?
John Higgins: I did the same, my manager got it so I didn't see it.. and I still haven't seen it!
Karl Ryan: John, do you have an ideal age to retire on?
John Higgins: Hopefully late 30's
Ben H: Has anyone got any tips on how to improve break building? I always seem to get to about 35 -40 and make a mistake :(
John Higgins: Just get lots of videos of the crucible and try and study them... don't be too nervous when you get to 35
Peter Borremans: do you play golf like a lot of the other players?
Anthony Hamilton: No, not any more, drinking is our only other hobby!
John Higgins: I agree with you there !!
Dave W: John Higgins how do you get your hair like that, what sort of gel do you use ?
John Higgins: Shockwaves! And when I come out the shower I just slap it on and walk out !
MurdoJH :Who are your best friends within snooker??
John Higgins: Probably David Mclellan and Marcus Campbell
Anthony Hamilton: Nick Walker, he's another professional.. I actually live with him so I have to say that!
Stevie Gallacher: Why don't you two do a remake of Snooker Loopy, something like a techno version for the millenium.
John Higgins: If somebody wants to ask us we'll do our best!
Anthony Hamilton: … if the price is right ;-)
Rene Voncken: Anthony, did the breaking of your wrist made you change your cueing action?
Anthony Hamilton: No, not at all .. it just gave me a really good excuse!
Phillip Clapham: Have you ever felt like giving it up in a match ?
John Higgins: I have done it in some matches before
Gordon Stanford: Anthony do you have any superstitions when playing snooker?
Anthony Hamilton: I’m superstitious about not be superstitious ;-)
John Higgins: I just put my right sock on before me left!
Paul Jamerson: John and Ant have you got any tips about snooker for me because I really want to be a pro like you both
Anthony Hamilton: Stand on the right corners!
Paul Hopwood: what do you think your chances are against Peter Ebden?
Anthony Hamilton: Pretty good if I play like I have been doing
Frankie De: I’m from Belgium - sorry for my English - I will ask you what do you think of Belgium snooker ?
John Higgins: Very good, I’ve played in a tournament there before .. it's a great place
Stevie McNeil: If you two could pick any player from past or present who would you most like to play?
John Higgins: Ray Reardon
John Cleland: John, is it true that you wear the same pair of socks for the whole of the tournament?
John Higgins: Yes, I get them dry-cleaned !!
HexagonalShapedNostrils: Do you bet on the snooker?
John Higgins: Yes
no 1 gal: What side or spin do you use when you break off?
John Higgins: left-hand side
Anthony Hamilton: You are the only one that does it apart from me
Rachel: what’s been the best match you two have played in?
Anthony Hamilton: The first round of this tournament a few years ago against Jimmy White
Kelley Broaders: Do u wear the same underpants as well??? Ha ha !!
John Higgins: No, I don't wear any ;-)
Dazzed: J & A, if you could change just one rule in snooker, what would it be and why?
John Higgins: You can put the white in hand if somebody nicks a foul, like 9 ball
Anthony Hamilton: I haven't really got an answer for that, it's perfect as it is !
Neil Jones: John, is it true you were such a big fan of Alex Higgins, that you actually changed your surname?
John Higgins: No, I’ve never been a big, big fan of Alex
adam spicer have either of played my good freiend robin hull?
John Higgins: No
Anthony Hamilton: I have - he's a rising superstar
Chris Laker: Why are Scots so good at Snooker?
John Higgins: It's all down to Steven Hendry (laughs!)
Damien Ramsey: How many streakers have you seen live?
Anthony Hamilton: I’ve seen 2 live
John Higgins: I’ve never seen any …
Joanne Pearce: why do you think people stereo type snooker as boring?
Anthony Hamilton: It is boring when it's on TV i suppose
Fiona Tennant: Do you feel any pressure at this stage of the tournament?
John Higgins: I think you feel pressure at every stage
malcolm stickle: when was the last time u two played each other and what was the score
John Higgins: Was it here?
Anthony Hamilton: You beat me 13-3!
Stephen: how has Steve Davis become so interesting over the years ?
Anthony Hamilton: Practice !
Mark Smith: How do you both reckon England will do at the world cup?
John Higgins: I’ve got a £1000 against Mark Williams that they won't get past the group stage
Matthew Ritchie: John, would you ever consider wearing a Kilt in the final of the Embassy?
John Higgins: I’ll wear anything if I get to the final again!
BBC Snooker Host: You heard it here first folks ;-)
Alex Hewlett: Do you think Ray Reardon is Dracula’s half brother?
Anthony Hamilton: Yes, I've seen him wiping blood from his mouth a couple of times making out it was fruit juice!
Celtic: Is Willie Thorne still skint?
Anthony Hamilton: He probably is after today, he's always skint at the end of the day !!
Aileen Hegarty: Whose your favourite referee?
John Higgins: Jan ver Haas
Anthony Hamilton: All of them!
Celtic1: John, have you got Pierce a miniature Celtic strip yet?
John Higgins: My wife wouldn't allow me !
Lucy Higgs: What organisation would I contact to get involved in the ladies circuit?
John Higgins: Go to the BBC website: www.bbc.co.uk/snooker to find out how!
Karen: Hi John! My sister works for Martin O'Neill and will see him tomorrow, do you want to pass on a message to him?
John Higgins: Just wish him all the best on Saturday, hopefully I won't be there ;-p
Gillian Pattinson: John, do you like horse racing?
John Higgins: No
Martyn Orchard: Have either of you ever ripped the cloth during a game before?
Anthony Hamilton: No, we are both good cueists
John Higgins: .. till it gets to 14 all !
Mark Thomas: Is it possible to create backspin on a table with a wiry worn cloth?
Anthony Hamilton: Yeah, just not quite as much as we can get on these cloths
Helen: what’s your ideal woman?
John Higgins: Jennifer Lopez
Anthony Hamilton: Alive and breathing!
Kenneth Van: John and Anthony, who do you consider your biggest rival in the game?
John Higgins: Every player that you face is a rival
Gareth Williams: A and J - what cars do you drive?
John Higgins: I drive a CL Mercedes
Anthony Hamilton: I’ve got a freebie Vauxhall Amiga !
Davie Burnett: Is that rum in your glass John?
John Higgins: Red wine!
Joel Mack: Did any of you bunk school to go to the snooker hall and practice?
John Higgins: Yes
Anthony Hamilton: No, my dad would have killed me !
Mark: Do you ever feel sorry for beating an opponent?
John Higgins: No
Anthony Hamilton: No
Amir: How hard is it playing on the crucible tables?
John Higgins: I think the whole aura of the tournament adds to the pressure
Anthony Hamilton: It's harder than the average tournament
Mark: Is Steven Hendry friendly off the table?
Anthony Hamilton: Yeah!
Rab B: Do you have any groupies?
John Higgins: No !
Anthony Hamilton: Don't believe him he's got loads waiting outside !
Karen: My sister really really loves you, will u please cough once during your next match so she knows that your thinking of her!
Anthony Hamilton: If you cough once you'll have to do it again to make sure
Songwriter: Would you like to see snooker go mixed with the ladies?
John Higgins: Yeah, they are already but they are not good enough
Anthony Hamilton:: yeah
Jack Reed: Out of Steven Hendry and Steven Lee who do you think will be the tougher opponent ?
John Higgins: No comment!
Paul: I’ve noticed many players "tapping" their fingers on the cloth when they are taking shots, is this just habit or does it help with cue timing?
John Higgins: It's just habit !
Easter Yes: I hear you like Dallas, John. Do you think you’d look good in one of them groovy hats?
John Higgins: I've got one already ;-)
Fernebache: What type of music do you like at the moment?
John Higgins: R&B
Anthony Hamilton: P J Harvey was my last CD
Craig Bond: Is there any thing that puts you off your shot because my mates all stand in my eye line to distract me?
John Higgins: If your concentration is not right anything can put you off !
BBC Snooker Host: Here’s a final word from John:
John Higgins: It's been emotional !
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