Will a step back in time cue better days for Anthony?
Anthony Mcgill has sought help from his cue doctor to get his stuttering career back on track.
The Glaswegian potter has struggled badly for form this season, but did show glimpses of his quality by reaching the Northern Ireland Trophy semi-finals in October.
And it’s no surprise the world No. 20 is looking to finish the calendar year with a bang at the English Open this week, the last ranking event of 2023.
“I’ve changed my cue,” revealed Mcgill. “I’ve been using the same cue for two or three years.
“It was a one-piece maple, but it was just too thin at the end. It was a really thin cue, the shaft at the tip end got under 9mm, which snooker players know makes it like a pool cue.
“But I’m back using a cue I used a few years ago and I’m really enjoying it.
“I won the Indian Open with it and also the Shoot Out a few years ago.
“The cue I was using before was far too thin, I knew I wouldn’t get much longer out of it because cues go thinner over time.
“I just thought the break we had earlier in the season was the right time to go back to that one.
“I’m really enjoying playing snooker with it and holding it.
“I know that any problems I’ve got with my game that it’s not my cue and that helps.”
Mcgill kicks off his quest for the £80,000 first prize against Welshman Michael White on Tuesday afternoon.
Meanwhile, defending champion Neil Robertson is desperate to retain his English Open crown.
Having recently overcome illness, the ambitious Aussie ace hopes he found his best form just at the right time.
Robertson was bed-ridden with energy-sapping flu last month and ultimately saw his UK Championship title bid derailed as a result.
But the world No. 4, winner of an impressive 23 ranking titles, is back to 100% and hungry to fire on full cylinders.
“I’ve been really sick for a few weeks,” revealed Robertson.
“I’ve just had horrendous flu which affected my practice.
“I was in bed for a few days and don’t honestly think I’ve slept that long for ages. Both of my kids were unwell as well, which wasn’t nice.”
Robertson clinched a nailbiting victory over John Higgins, the four-time world champion, in last year’s gripping final, which saw the return of crowds following Covid.
And he reflected: “It was unbelievable winning the title last season. That’s probably one of the best matches I’ve ever played in. I’d love to defend my title.”
Robertson, 40, open his defence tomorrow against Welshman Andrew Padgett.
World champion Ronnie O’sullivan, potting sensation Judd Trump and many top names including Higgins, new UK champion Mark Allen and four-time world champion Mark Selby, will also be in action at this week’s ranking event.