Muir battles back to the green baize
Young Scot Ross Muir was forced to retire from snooker due to health issues. But he’s back and ready to make his mark on the World Snooker Tour, writes NEIL GOULDING.
The 25-year-old Edinburgh potter gave up the green-baize game in 2019 after excruciating retinal migraines got too much.
Things got so bad the talented cueman was throwing up during matches and unable to see the balls clearly.
“It was tough going through that,” revealed Muir, who had to get fitter and cut out coffee.
“I was getting migraines on a frequent basis. But I was very determined to get through what I was going through.
“Earlier in my career I took snooker for granted. I just took it as a given that I’d have a long career and play until I was 50.
“I had to go through a very strict lifestyle change.
“The time away gave me a lot more appreciation for snooker, and life in general now.
“It made me a much better person as well.
“Unfortunately I need to avoid coffee. I love a latte but I can’t have them anymore!”
Muir had to change careers and worked in security to make ends meet.
That gave him the kick up the backside he needed to put the graft in on the table.
And he’s reaping the rewards after reaching the last-16 of the British Open earlier this season.
“I’d never really had a normal job so it taught me a lot,” added Muir.
“The whole process gave me a lot more appreciation. If you enjoy something never take it for granted because it can be taken from you.
“There have been huge changes in my life it’s showing.
“Working outside of snooker showed me what hard work actually was.
“I have a better perspective now. I give every single day my maximum.
“When I restarted playing snooker I’ve started putting in what I now know is hard work.
“Before maybe I wasn’t putting enough into my snooker.
“I feel a lot more equipped to do well on the tour now.
“I don’t believe anyone has a right to achieve or doing anything.
“But everyday I’m feeling so good and so confident with my game.
“Going into tournaments I’m feeling the benefits. I’m having absolute belief with my game.
“I know that I can produce. I think we’re already starting to see some of the rewards.”