VIDEO: Michael Holt speaking about how he got into snooker
Professional Nottingham snooker player has spoken of the ‘mental brutality’ of the sport which has made him a star.
The world number 26 recently enjoyed his best ranking tournament performance, reaching the final of the 2016 Riga Masters on June 24 but losing 5-2 to former world champion Neil Robertson.
‘The Hitman’ was disappointed with the result but is hopeful it will be a springboard for him to maintain a high level of performances as the snooker season gets into full swing.
If I keep doing the same thing, I’ll win
Speaking on Notts TV’s Sports Week, Michael said: “It was a bit disappointing to lose to Neil Robertson but I beat three world champions on the way to my first ever major ranking final.
“It’s been a long time coming and I’ve been trying for quite a while but my results have been quite positive for six months or so.
“If I keep doing the same thing, I’ll get a win soon I hope.
“I lost to a great player on the day and on another day I might win but I can’t be too downhearted with the way I performed as it was really good.”
Michael says the best player doesn’t always win a match – because of the element of luck involved in the sport.
He said: “If it’s not your shot and you’re not at the table, there’s nothing you can do about it and sometimes you don’t do anything wrong for that to happen.
“Mentally it’s quite brutal at times because of that being one of the reasons and it’s quite highly skilled as well.
“It’s a tough game as anyone that’s played it will realise, but people that handle the pressure best are at the top.”
Watch the full interview with Michael Holt on Sports Week tonight (Wednesday July 6) at 7.30pm on Freeview channel 7, Virgin channel 159 and Sky channel 117 and later on catch up.
