Anthony can’t wait to get going against old foe Liam in another Crucible outing
Anthony Mcgill is like a kid at Christmas heading into the Betfred World Championship.
The former semi-finalist kicks off his title tilt against Liam Highfield at snooker’s very own Theatre of Dreams this morning.
And world No. 13 Mcgill would love to make many more happy memories on the green-baize game’s grandest stage.
The Glasgow Gladiator raises his game for the biggest snooker showcase and has shown his immense talent at the iconic theatre over the years.
Mcgill, 31, reached the quarter-finals on his debut in 2015, agonisingly missed out on the 2020 final on the colours, and ended Ronnie O’sullivan’s defence en route to the quarters last year.
“I’m really relaxed and really excited about it,” beamed Mcgill.
“You just have to soak it up because it’s a privilege to be here.
“I absolutely love the Crucible, there’s no better place to play snooker.
“There’s nothing better than the atmosphere created in the Crucible and I won’t have anybody tell me different.
“It’s just great to make memories here. It was gutting at the time when I lost that semi-final, but it was a great memory to be part of that match.
“It’s great to look back and think I’ve been part of some good moments here. Some of them I’ve won, some of them I’ve lost. It’s part of the journey.
“Just to get another chance to play here is amazing. I’m just super grateful to be here.
“If I’m honest I could have easily have been in those qualifiers last week. I just love being here.
“I feel pretty good with my game, I’ve practised hard coming in so we’ll see what happens.”
Mcgill and Swindon potter Highfield came through the junior ranks together.
The Scot believes the world No. 43 was held in higher esteem back in the day.
But Mcgill has certainly had the better pro career with two ranking finals and is a regular in the elite top 16.
“I think Liam was a bit higher regarded than me,” admitted Mcgill.
“We were part of good bunch of juniors at the time back in the day.
“I’ve known Liam for 16 or 17 years. We’ve been playing since the junior ranks.
“Any draw is tough. We’ve done great to get to the Crucible.”
Scottish legend John Higgins begins his bid for a magical fifth Crucible crown against talented Thai potter Thepchaiya Un-nooh on Tuesday.
The 46-year-old Wishaw Wizard would become the first player to win the coveted gong in four different decades if he can go all the way once again.