SnookerChat Transcript with
Cliff Thorburn & Matthew Stevens
3rd May 2001

Leighton McKibbin: Cliff, who was the best Welsh player you played against?

Cliff Thorburn: I'm sat by a Welshman now...! Well, Terry Griffiths was always difficult to beat. Ray Reardon 6 times champion - that's a feat and Doug Mountjoy was tough... All gentlemen

SnookerChat Classics: Ollan: Cliff, would you join the senior tour if it happened? Cliff: In a heartbeat

Cathryn: Do you think that the standard of snooker playing is better today than about 10 years ago?

Cliff Thorburn: For sure. The players score a lot heavier. Their safety play is excellent. They always make high runs. In the old days shots were like scientific research

Chris H: Cliff, who do you think will win the World Championship this year?

Cliff Thorburn: I'm a big fan of Swail, though he still has to beat Wallace. Realistically I guess Ronnie's the favourite if he keeps his concentration. Playing at a nice pace now. The winner could also be Matthew or John!!

BBC Host: Welcome if you've just joined us from BBC2 - what would you like to ask Cliff Thorburn? This is your opportunity ;-)

The Grinder: Cliff, if you could only watch 2 players in 1 match who would be playing?

Cliff Thorburn: For contrasting styles White v Hendry - or Spencer and Reardon. Had to go back to the old days!

Laura Masterson: How does it feel to be the only player to win the Embassy World Championship, who was not from Britain or Ireland?

SnookerChat Classics: steve garrett1: Matthew I'm putting my money on you winning this year - what's the first thing you will buy with your winnings!!?? Matthew: Just put it in the bank... or I might get another car!! I am gonna buy a house some time

Cliff Thorburn: Well... I guess I was a bit fortunate. I'm surprised Wattana didn't win it at his best. There are not that many overseas players now. I was very pleased - helped the game back home. I play the game as a working man - not flash. Player with the least natural talent to win it!! That's being honest. I beat a great player in Alex - enjoyed that. I'd like to see someone else do it from overseas

BBC Host: ... a reminder ... we're here until 6.45 - Matthew Stevens joins us for the last section:-)

Ollan: Cliff, would you join the senior tour if it happened?

Cliff Thorburn: In a heartbeat

vince marsters: Cliff, would you prefer to be playing against the current players or players like Alex Higgins and Dennis Taylor etc?

Cliff Thorburn: Well... that doesn't sound fun (easy) any way. Be nice to have a shot at the young guys. I'd have to have played my very best to have a shot at the top 16. I played Hendry at his best - I'll stick to the old guys. Had a lot more fun!!

BBC Host: ...great questions coming in about golf ... cues ... 147 breaks - thanks, we'll try to answer as many as we can tonight.

SnookerChat Classics: winnie hughes: I would like to ask Cliff how he feels about the prize for a 147 break today compared to when he hit his 147? Cliff: I used to say it was all relevant... but it's not!!! The money's a great nest egg... could buy a house. With mine - well I spent it!!!

Eddie Holmes: Cliff, do you think Hendry has lost his touch, or is he just being compared to, and playing, better players?

Cliff Thorburn: Well, I don't care how he goes the next 4 or 5 years, he's still always the favourite. He came back to win it 2 years ago. He's got to talk to himself. He has a family now - priorities change. He's the best player I've ever seen

winnie hughes: I would like to ask Cliff how he feels about the prize for a 147 break today compared to when he hit his 147

Cliff Thorburn: I used to say it was all relevant... but it's not!!! The money's a great nest egg... could buy a house. With mine - well I spent it!!! It's great for the game to have that big money. Gives those who don't win the tournament a big pay day

chris martin: Cliff, any tips for improving cueing action?

Cliff Thorburn: The 1 thing I stress... you never see a top player snatch at it by bringing the cue back too quick. The most important thing is to bring it back slowly and accelerate through. The transition must be smooth like a golf stroke - accelerate through the ball. That'll improve your game 28-35 points

BBC Host: Cliff Thorburn's here answering your questions now ... Matthew Stevens will be joining us at 18.30hrs

Ryan Doherty: Cliff, following yourself, Kirk Stevens and Bill Werbenuik, there haven't been any Canadian players to make an impact on the game. Is snooker still popular over there and do you think there will be another Canadian snooker star?

SnookerChat Classics: simon argent: What was going through your mind just before you potted the final black on your 147 break? Cliff: That I didn't want the black to hit either jaw! Go straight in! But I felt pretty good

Cliff Thorburn: Alain Robidoux has been top 16. Unfortunately the standard has been so high when he's been at the top. He can't seem to forget a bad shot - maybe his French blood! There are some young kids. Pool is very big there but a social and recreational game. There's not as much junior development as there will be when my billiard club opens up. I'll help develop the kids. I'll spend time with a good talented kid

BBC Host: ...silly question just come in about seagulls on Cliff's head!

simon argent: What was going through your mind just before you potted the final black on your 147 break?

Cliff Thorburn: That I didn't want the black to hit either jaw! Go straight in! But I felt pretty good

Nick Chamberlain: Who is the toughest player you've ever had to play against?

Cliff Thorburn: Steve Davis. He was very interesting

Mandy Smart: Who would be your ideal partner in a doubles match?

Cliff Thorburn: I'd like to partner Steve Davis or Hendry just to see what it's like to sit back in the chair - 'That's my boy!'

SnookerChat Classics: Diego Tedesco: What goes through your mind when your opponent is keeping you in your chair frame after frame and doesn't seem to be missing anything? Cliff: That a new rule should come in... you should be allowed to get up once and kick him in the butt. I've often thought of that

Scott Jones: Cliff, do you think that Ronnie can win it this year?

Cliff Thorburn: Definitely - could have won it a few times. I think his time has come, but I wouldn't bet on this year's championship. If he wins it once he could get 4 or 5

jonjo clifford: Cliff - what are you up to these days?

Cliff Thorburn: Doing a lot of corporate work at home. Lot of pool... trick shots are easier on a little table. I'm working for a billiard company, helping keep snooker going in Canada

Carl Glenister: Is the game popular in Canada these days?

Cliff Thorburn: It is on a social and recreational side. But a club owner can get 5 pool tables in place of 3 snooker. Snooker has large pockets of players in different areas throughout the country. Doesn't get shown on tv enough, even though the ratings are always good

Diego Tedesco: What goes through your mind when your opponent is keeping you in your chair frame after frame and doesn't seem to be missing anything?

Cliff Thorburn: That a new rule should come in... you should be allowed to get up once and kick him in the butt. I've often thought of that

SnookerChat Classics: Simon Wilson: Your style of play IS missed in today's game - do you think the game is lacking a bit of the old character? Cliff: (Laughs) It's missed??? The pros of the 70s - they had to supplement their income in exhibitions so they were more outgoing with the public. There are still characters in the game though. They're just all young with flat bellies

Kev Price: Do you still play much? When did you last score a century?

Cliff Thorburn: Last time I played... about a week and a half ago. Missed the final black of a 147, then 140 next game. So my memory's still good!

BBC Host: Laughter here

Adam Daly: What about Joe Swail Cliff, no one seems to be able to put him away, could he be an outside bet?

Cliff Thorburn: Joe's got a very good chance. Not sure of the odds. He's got a very big heart. We all know what he's been through as a child with his hearing problem. I'm proud to know him. He's an honest man. Who knows what'll happen - another Joe Johnson...?? But there are some very good players

Simon Wilson: Your style of play IS missed in today's game - do you think the game is lacking a bit of the old character?

Cliff Thorburn: (Laughs) It's missed??? Well, there's more money in the game now. The stables of players... you're not supposed to talk to other guys... The money forms wedges between players. The pros of the 70s - they had to supplement their income in exhibitions so they were more outgoing with the public. There are still characters in the game though. They're just all young with flat bellies

Dec: Hi Cliff do you think the Championship has lost something this year without the Whirlwind?

Cliff Thorburn: It's sad that Jimmy's never won it. We had a thing when all the former champions walked in... but Jimmy White got a bigger hand than all of us! But Jimmy's not through. He played great this year - I wouldn't count him out. It just proves the standard today

SnookerChat Classics: Sam: They used to call you champagne Cliff - why was that? Cliff: That's what I wanted to call myself - it sounded pretty good! Alex called me the grinder after 1980. The Champagne Cliff sounds a lot better. It didn't stick! Though the champagne stuck to the wall in 1980!!

Rich M: Cliff, in your opinion does the number of top quality players mean no-one will ever dominate the game as Davis and Hendry did? And if not, which player would be your tip to dominate the game over the next 10 years or so?

Cliff Thorburn: Like I said, Ronnie could do it... if he could win here once he could do it 5 times. If he maintains the concentration and respect for the situation. I've noticed a change in Ronnie - he looks pretty serious out there. The first 1 is the toughest though. Then again, if you spoke to me, Dennis Taylor, Alex Higgins and a few others we'd say the 2nd is more difficult!

BBC Host: Thanks for your patience, we're doing our best to get as many as possible answered by Cliff here at Snooker Live Chat

Sam: They used to call you champagne Cliff - why was that?

Cliff Thorburn: That's what I wanted to call myself - it sounded pretty good! Alex called me the grinder after 1980. The Champagne Cliff sounds a lot better. It didn't stick! Though the champagne stuck to the wall in 1980!!

Jamie: Who was your hero of the green baize when you were a youngster?

Cliff Thorburn: George Chenier was the North American champion from Quebec. He's our greatest all-round player. He had a high run of 144 in tournament play and then in the world straight pool championships ran over 150 balls... Those are two amazing stats. And then John Spencer - I loved watching him play. Hendry has a lot of Spencer's game - few people have said that. Both great break builders

BBC Host: Matthew Stevens has just joined us. Welcome Matthew

SnookerChat Classics: Colin Andrew: Matthew, who was your favourite Welsh player... Reardon, Mountjoy or Griffiths? Matthew: I have to say Griffiths... cos I play in his club!!

Will Marcombe: Snooker is traditionally a fairly reserved sport. Though I find outbursts such as Peter Ebdon's add excitement and entertainment to the glorious game! What is your view on this adrenaline-fuelled outburst?

Matthew Stevens: My view is... It was such a long match he was getting pumped up. I think it was like a bomb went off. Just couldn't control it. He didn't mean it in a bad way

BBC Host: Stephen Hendry MBE's just been described as 'the Man Utd. of snooker' by one questioner who wanted to thank Stevens for beating him :-)

BBC Host: (Cliff's just left - many thanks to him for taking part in this Live Chat tonight)

Sarah Prosser: Matthew mate... congrats on your triumph over Stephen... great snooker! Are you nervous about the semi-final or are you taking it all in your stride?!

Matthew Stevens: Feel alright actually. Relaxed. Playing good. Really looking forward to it

Gary Pope: Matthew, is the game of snooker widespread in Wales?

Matthew Stevens: I don't know... There are a lot of players coming through

SnookerChat Classics: Martin Lewis: Congratulations! How much when approaching this part of the tournament does your final last year have an impact? Matthew: I'm experienced now. Ready for the semi - know what to expect

mark mahoney: Mathew, why do you think at the moment Welsh players are so prominent? I know there was Griffiths, Reardon and Mountjoy to name a few from yesteryear but why are the Welsh so consistent?

Matthew Stevens: I wish I could tell you! Maybe we're trying to follow their footsteps

Mandy Smart: Matthew, who has had the greatest influence on your career?

Matthew Stevens: Stephen Hendry and Jimmy White

Zinnia: At what age did you develop an interest in snooker and how did you feel after being very close to winning last year just to lose it to Mark?

Matthew Stevens: Interest when 7 or 8 in snooker. Disappointed to lose but great experience to get to the final

Jonny: Matthew, how do you think snooker is progressing in west Wales... Camarthenshire and Pembrokeshire in particular - there have been many snooker halls popping up over the last year in Haverfordwest and Camarthen

Matthew Stevens: Pretty good... I've played some exhibitions down that way. Good response, great crowds

Ziegel Matthew: Congratulations! Are there still points in your game available for improvement?

Matthew Stevens: It would be nice to improve... If I can play like I have been I've got a fair chance

SnookerChat Classics: Kim Ardley: Do you think when Peter Ebdon had long hair this was bringing the game into disrepute? What are your views on long or multicoloured hair like Quinten Hann's? Matthew: Do what they like with their hair... so long as they don't pot too many balls I don't mind!!

BBC Host: Anne Robinson ... being a pin-up ... Terry Griffiths - all kinds of Qs coming in for Matthew this evening. Thanks

Colin Andrew: Matthew, who was your favourite Welsh player... Reardon, Mountjoy or Griffiths?

Matthew Stevens: I have to say Griffiths... cos I play in his club!! Obviously Reardon won it 6 times - he's a great player

Dec: Welcome Matthew, congrats on a great win. I am 13 and my highest break is 40. Have you any tips on how to improve my potting and safety play?

Matthew Stevens: Just keep practising and stick at it. If you're enjoying it carry on playing

Martin Lewis: Congratulations! How much when approaching this part of the tournament does your final last year have an impact?

Matthew Stevens: I'm experienced now. Ready for the semi - know what to expect

Kim Ardley: Do you think when Peter Ebdon had long hair this was bringing the game into disrepute? What are your views on long or multicoloured hair like Quinten Hann's?

Matthew Stevens: Do what they like with their hair... so long as they don't pot too many balls I don't mind!!

SnookerChat Classics: Nina: My question is what is the best thing about being Welsh? Matthew: Best thing about being Welsh - the Welsh lamb! (Laughs)

Steve Stratton Matthew: Why haven't you ever had outbursts like Peter Ebdon? I'll look forward to hearing one when you win this year!

Matthew Stevens: Not that type of person! I don't show that much - keep it all inside

Ziegel: Does concentrating like you do during a match give you a headache sometimes?

Matthew Stevens: It does yes! After I finish playing. Concentration and everything takes it out of you

Colin Andrew: Matthew, do you think Thorburn at his peak would have ground you down?

Matthew Stevens: Probably, yes!

BBC Host: Please send your question for Matthew Stevens now. A reminder ... Wednesday 2 May - tonight's snooker on BBC Two .. 1845-1930, then 2030-2230

John Newton: Matthew, what has Terry Griffiths helped you with the most?

Matthew Stevens: He coached me years and years ago but he said that I didn't really need coaching. I was more of a natural player, so though we play in the same club we just have a chat now and again

Katie Thomas: Matthew, well done on beating Stephen Hendry good luck for the semi finals

Matthew Stevens: Best thing on beating Hendry - he was my hero for so many years on tv. To beat him at the Crucible was a dream

Nina: My question is what is the best thing about being Welsh?

Matthew Stevens: Best thing about being Welsh - the Welsh lamb! (Laughs)

neil mcgraw: Matthew, is there a nickname that you like to be known as a la hurricane, whirlwind, and my favourite the grinder?

Matthew Stevens: Don't know... Shakin??

Richard Butcher: There aren't many foreign players at the moment, do you know if there are any that could be champions in the future?

Matthew Stevens: Marco Fu's done pretty well. I don't know of many others. It would be good for the game, though

Ryan Doherty: If you hadn't been a snooker player, what would you have liked to have done?

Matthew Stevens: I've always been into sport. I used to play football, but I was better at snooker!

Pat Moody: Matthew, do you both think the BBC should bring back Pot Black?

Matthew Stevens: They could make 1 tournament out of it

SnookerChat Classics: Kayleigh: What's the water like that we always see you snooker players drinking like? Matthew: Who says it's water!!

James Morrey: Matthew, well done mate! Wouldn't Ronnie vs you be an ace final?

Matthew Stevens: It would be good yeah! I just want to get there... don't care who I play

Emma Freestone: Matthew do you think the pressure is now building on you to win the Championship?

Matthew Stevens: No I don't think so, I'm just enjoying it

Stephen: Matthew, what football team do you support?

Matthew Stevens: Spurs ... and Swansea
SnookerChat: Laughs in the background
Matthew Stevens: They won 6-0 last night... bit too late

Jason Matthew: Apart from practice - what kind of preparation / training do you do?

Matthew Stevens: None really...

steve garrett1: Matthew I'm putting my money on you winning this year - what's the first thing you will buy with your winnings!!??

Matthew Stevens: Just put it in the bank... or I might get another car!! I am gonna buy a house some time

david walker: At what age did you start playing snooker?

Matthew Stevens: I started when I was 6

SnookerChat Classics: Ton van Matthew: Would you do us chatters a favour when you win the final Monday - put your thumb up before you take the trophy? Matthew: OK. I'll remember that. (Laughs)

BBC Host: Good news - we've extended until 7pm. Quality snooker from here in Sheffield this week. We're really enjoying ourselves here!

Kayleigh: What's the water like that we always see you snooker players drinking like?

Matthew Stevens: Who says it's water!!

Alan Reynolds: Matthew, do you think that a game of snooker between Thorburn and Ebdon would be more unbearable than Thorburn v Griffiths???

Matthew Stevens: Exciting
SnookerChat: (his face is not showing that!!!)

BBC Host: Some great questions coming into the LiveChat Q moderators... Matthew is just on his mobile at the minute - hold on!
SnookerChat: He's saying he only had 1 Chinese since being here!!
BBC Host: He's back... Oh no! His phone is on again!

Craig Whitfield: Does today rank as the greatest win so far in your career.. beating Hendry over distance?

Matthew Stevens: Yes definitely up there

Matthew Neilson: Do you find it harder to play well under pressure, or do you find that the pressure brings out the best in your game?

Matthew Stevens: Good question that! Works both ways. Sometimes you play better. I think mostly you play better. You're concentrating more

Steve Stratton: Matthew, how did you do at school, when did you decide that snooker was for you?

Matthew Stevens: I didn't take my GCSEs. Think the headmaster told me to go!

SnookerChat Classics: Gina G: Are you single? I'm offering!! Matthew: Is that the singer??? I will be now!!

enda broderick: Matthew how highly to you rate Ken Doherty?

Matthew Stevens: He's a brilliant player. Won the World Championship and a few tournaments this year. He's playing well

David: Do you think Stephen Hendry's career is at an end?

Matthew Stevens: No. We'll see a lot more of him I think! Definitely

Jon Bongiovi: Matthew, BBC plays plenty of music in their broadcasts on player profiles! What's your favourite music, and what song do you think best describes you?

Matthew Stevens: I like the Stereophonics and any sort of music really

BBC Host: Some really strange Qs tonight ... about lucky underpants, cue balls screwing back into a player's sleeve and Anne Robinson again...

Tim Hearson: Matthew, did you ever think when you saw Stephen Hendry winning the championship in the 90s, that one day you would beat him at Sheffield?

Matthew Stevens: I always hoped to be there. Didn't really think it. All the kids want it but you don't really believe it

Kayleigh: How are you going to celebrate your victory tonight?

Matthew Stevens: Just go for a Chinese... got a big game tomorrow!!

SnookerChat Classics: neil mcgraw: Matthew, is there a nickname that you like to be known as a la hurricane, whirlwind, and my favourite the grinder? Matthew: Don't know... Shakin??

Ton van Matthew: Would you do us chatters a favour when you win the final Monday - put your thumb up before you take the trophy?

Matthew Stevens: OK. I'll remember that. (Laughs)

John Newton: If you met Anne Robinson in the street, what would you say to her????!!!!!!

SnookerChat: I can't type this!!

Paul Barnard1: Why did you have such long odds to win this year @ 9/1? (You were my tip before it started)

Matthew Stevens: I was 16/1. Because I've not had a very good season, that's why

BBC Host: Thanks for your patience, we're doing our best to get your question answered by Matthew here at BBC Snooker Live Chat. He's typing as fast as he can ;-)

Rob D: Do you think John Parrott should give up as he always ends up co-presenting like Steve Davis on the broadcasts (laughs)?

Matthew Stevens: No he's still a good player

Jon Bongiovi: You say you are just happy to get to the final, but does playing an experienced finalist like Ronnie bother you more than having to play a less experienced player such as Swail or Wallace?

Matthew Stevens: I don't mind really if I get to the final. It would mean I was playing well to get there

Nina Woodward: Matt what's your favourite outdoor sport?

Matthew Stevens: Nina - golf

MANDY SMART: What are your chances of knocking in a 147?

Matthew Stevens: Mandy, if the balls split right you get a good chance

MANDY SMART: What are your weaknesses, if you have any?!

Matthew Stevens: I don't know - my safety play if any

martin peacock: Matthew what alterations would change in the game of snooker if you could?

Matthew Stevens: Martin, none I don't think

Tim Hugo: Matthew do you have a routine before you start a match?

Matthew Stevens: Tim, no I just practice for half hour

Steve Stratton: Who was on the mobile Matthew?

Matthew Stevens: Steve, it was my girlfriend!!

Chris Aspland: Matthew, what's your favourite food?

Matthew Stevens: Chris, Chinese probably

Nina Woodward: Matt, is there an old snooker champ you would have really liked to play?

Matthew Stevens: That's a good question Nina. Joe Davis... Alex Higgins...

Katie Thomas: Matthew have you had any embarrassing moments while playing snooker?

Matthew Stevens: Not yet... missing everything

Ziegel: What "standard shot" do you fear the worst? If any?

Matthew Stevens: A difficult safety shot I'd say

MANDY SMART: What is your greatest asset?

Matthew Stevens: I'd say long potting and break building

Paz: Do you think anyone will beat Hendry's 7 wins?

Matthew Stevens: No - never

Carl Glenister: How many cars do you own?

Matthew Stevens: 2 - Ferrari and a BMW M3

Adrian Lee: What do you think of Scott Gibbs not making the Lions tour?

Matthew Stevens: They'll miss him - disappointed

BBC Host: Live coverage has just resumed on BBC Two. Continuation of Ken Doherty (6 frames) v John Higgins (10 frames). Winner is Matthew's opponent in semi final. Don't leave this chat, just switch on your TV too!

gary fairbank: Matthew, what do you think of Quinton Hann as a player?

Matthew Stevens: Decent player Gary. He's alright

Ollan Matthew: Matthew, when it happened, how difficult was it to transfer to the pro tables with the smaller pockets?

Matthew Stevens: Ollan, I used to practice on tight pockets so it was similar

Jason: What type of feeling do you get when walking out to the table at the Crucible?

Matthew Stevens: It's great to walk out into the Crucible. Good crowds for the World Championships

Gina G: Are you single? I'm offering!!

Matthew Stevens: Is that the singer??? I will be now!!

SnookerChat Classics: Ken Ward: Matthew, in the middle of the championship, you're doing an online chat - that's bottle!! Pray it holds Matthew: Laughs

Tim: Are you glad that snooker had characters such as Jimmy andAalex to raise the profile of the game?

Matthew Stevens: Definitely

Gary Drewitt: Who do you think will win tonight out o Higgins and Doherty?

Matthew Stevens: Higgins I think, but you never know

Ken Ward: Matthew, in the middle of the championship, you're doing an online chat - that's bottle!! Pray it holds

Matthew Stevens: Laughs

BBC Host: Just time for one more question

andy c2: Who's your best friend out of all the snooker players?

Matthew Stevens: I've got a few... Mark Williams, Paul Hunter

BBC Host: Here's Matthew with a final word

Matthew Stevens: Thanks for the support. The live chat's good - been on it before with my girlfriend - good fun. Thanks again

BBC Host: Thanks Matthew ... and Cliff. Thanks for all your input tonight - it has been a huge success and Matthew really enjoyed the chat! We really are so sorry we couldn't answer all the questions - the response was huge - so was the smile on Matthew's face! Goodbye ;-)