CUEPID’S ARROW
Dale chalks success up to new partner
LOVESTRUCK Dominic Dale has revealed his French girlfriend has reignited his passion for snooker.
The besotted veteran, who will be 52 years and 116 days old when he enters the famous Crucible arena tomorrow to face Kyren Wilson, is the oldest qualifier since six-time champion Steve Davis back in 2010.
Two-time quarterfinalist Dale, back at the famous venue for the first time since 2014 (inset), thought about retirement a few years ago with his best days seemingly long gone.
And ‘The Spaceman’ has vowed to savour every single second of what could be his last appearance on the game’s grandest stage.
Welshman Dale, the world No.40, said: “I am proud of myself to get there. I don’t care if I really struggle.
“I am going to enjoy it. I am amazed I qualified.”
He puts his revival down to his romance with girlfriend Anne.
He added: “She is French. We have been together coming up 11 months now.
“It’s going great. Having her in my life has given me purpose to practise more. She wants me to practise more.
“Her dad Jean watches Eurosport’s coverage all the time. He loves the snooker.
“He lives in France. He’ll be impressed to see me at the Crucible.
“We are going over there in early May to meet him.
“My French leaves a lot to be desired, but I’m learning.”
Showman Dale has promised to channel his inner Kirk Stevens and Doug Mountjoy by wearing flamboyant 1960s-style suits around the venue as he soaks up the atmosphere.
And he believes the sport has lost the great characters of the past because of the huge sums of money on offer in the modern game.
“It is all very, very serious,” he said.
“I have got all sorts of 60s kit. I will be donning certain 60s suits in and around the Crucible. I like to be noticed.
“I love being the centre of attention.
“Which you have got to if you are going play at the Crucible and perform there.”