Anthony’s hoping he has turned a corner
Scottish snooker hope Anthony Mcgill has brandished himself “rubbish” after the worst two years of his professional career.
The Scot burst on to the scene when reaching the 2015 World Championship quarter-final on his debut.
And the Glaswegian went on to win his first ranking title at the 2016 Indian Open, before pocketing the 2017 Snooker Shoot Out crown the following season.
But the misfiring 29-year-old has failed to reach a quarter-final in the past two seasons and has alarmingly slid down to 35th in the world rankings.
“I think I’m rubbish, I’m terrible,” admitted Mcgill. “I just lack confidence!
“When I really put my mind to it I can play and, recently, I’m a bit more determined than I have been.
“But I’ve just not been playing well and struggling for form.”
Mcgill has also struggled for motivation due to poor results on the circuit.
In an attempt to rediscover his form, he has been practising with four-time world champion John Higgins and former UK champion Stephen Maguire at their new Glasgow base.
But results have still been few and far between for the stuttering Scot, who has now been on the professional tour for a decade.
Mcgill spoke out about his battles with nerves and “shaking” on the shot at November’s UK Championship in York.
But the former world No. 13 believes he has turned a corner by changing his approach to the game, with a run to the last 16 of the Welsh Open in Cardiff earlier this month, his best run for a long time.
“I’ve not been really caring much lately,” admitted Mcgill. “But I can feel myself really wanting to do well again now.
“I’ve been trying a bit harder than in recent times.
“I’m trying to be a bit more considered at the moment and play a little bit smarter.”
However, Mcgill and fellow-scot Dean Young both sparkled yesterday to keep their Snooker Shootout titledreams alive.
Mcgill pocketed a 72 break to triumph in his one-frame showdown with Welshman Dominic Dale in Watford.
And teenage amateur Young claimed a fine win over England’s Liam Highfield.
But it proved a bad day at the office for three-time world champion Mark Williams as he crashed to a shock secondround defeat to Ashley Carter, the world No 83.