Griffiths can catapult me into the big time, claims city star
LEICESTER POTTER HEATHCOTE IS WORKING WITH FORMER WORLD CHAMPION ON HOW TO IMPROVE HIS GAME
TERRY GRIFFITHS is catapulting Louis Heathcote’s career into the big time, reckons the Leicester snooker ace, writes Will Jennings of Sportsbeat.
Heathcote, the world No.70, slipped to a 4-2 defeat in the second round of the Scottish Open against reigning Shoot Out champion Michael Holt yesterday.
Heathcote recently joined forces with 1979 world champion and snooker legend Griffiths in Wales as he bids to revolutionise his burgeoning baize career.
1980 Masters champion Griffiths has regularly monitored Heathcote’s progression and the city player, 23, says there’s nobody he’d rather be learning from.
“I went down to Wales to work with Terry last week, so I’ve got a lot to work on over Christmas,” said Heathcote.
“I can’t really afford to have too much time off.
“I had my first session with him last week and he spotted a couple of things.
“When I first got on tour he messaged me, and I always thought he was interested in how I was doing.
“I thought it’s best to reinvest yourself, and he would be a good person to work with. I gave him a call, went down there and he’s a top man.
“You can learn so much off someone like him, just from their knowledge of the game.
“He’s been there, he’s done it, and is probably one of the perfect people to get involved with.
“Everyone I’ve spoken to has got nothing but good words to say about him, and I can say the same as well.
“He’s really nice with me and has helped me out a little bit, so hopefully that can keep going and I can keep working with him.”
Heathcote lost his last 64 match at the Marshall Arena, but city player Mark Selby beat Nigel Bond 4-2.
The defending Scottish Open champion knocked in a century break along with four half-centuries to motor into the third round.
The other Leicester player in action was Ben Woollaston who lost his second round match 4-2 against world No.57 Mark Joyce.
Three-time world champion Selby will play Joyce in the last 32 today but slammed his performance against veteran Bond.
Asked about what he thought of his display in the Eurosport studio, the 37-year-old said: “Rubbish, really.
“In patches I felt okay when I was in the balls, but anything long I couldn’t buy. Some of them probably ended up in here, I missed them by that far!”
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