Michael Holt is gearing up for an attempt to clinch his place on the World Snooker Tour next season, when he heads to Sofia this weekend for Q Tour UK/Europe Event Six.
The Hitman scored a second win of the campaign before Christmas at event five in Brighton, beating Daniel Womersley in the final. That followed up a victory in Stockholm earlier this season where he defeated Liam Davies, who currently sits in second position on the rankings.
If Holt can capture the title this weekend it would ensure he has an unassailable lead at the top of the rankings and earn him a return to professional status, for the first time since the conclusion of the 21/22 season.
We caught up with the Nottingham cueman to discuss how he is feeling ahead of an important few days of snooker…
Michael, first of all how do you reflect on your victory in Brighton at event five?
“To win any tournament, at any level, is nice. You can’t do any better than that. I’m juggling a lot of balls at the moment. If I got on the tour, then I would have to practise more than I’m doing now. I’m playing enough to get to a level where I can compete and win. It is great and it was a nice confidence boost right before Christmas. I’ve still got a few more wins to go. I’m not looking ahead of myself. I’m just going to win my next match, hopefully. I’ll pot my next ball and see where it takes me, but I’m in a good position and I’m really chuffed about it.”
How desperate are you to get your professional status back?
“I obviously want to get back on tour. I don’t feel like I’m finished as a player. I think I’m good enough. But I’m not on the tour, so I have to get back on. I am doing a lot of coaching, as I’ve got a family at the end of the day. Obviously, I have been practising a little bit. I’m doing enough. If I get back on the tour we will see how we go. I wouldn’t want to just get back on and float around. I’d want to get up the rankings.”
“Win the next one and I’m done, but this sort of format is quite precarious with best of fives. You are always on the edge of losing. You can be dominating a match 2-0 and all of a sudden it changes very quickly. I’m aware of that. The conditions open up more players that can win, with it being on club tables. There is anxiety there because you never know. A couple of tournaments ago I got absolutely dusted in 40 minutes by someone I’d never met before. He potted everything and I was home. There is no way you will go through a Q Tour season and not have that happen to you.
“I know that I’m not on the tour yet. I have to keep winning. If I don’t get on through this Q Tour then I have to try and get on through the playoffs or Q School. I need to get on somehow. I will just try my best, prepare my best and have a good attitude. I can’t look any further than that. I couldn’t be doing any better than that.”
What do you think the depth of talent is like on the main tour now?
“When I got to my first ranking event venue, and I walked into the player’s room, I was literally like an autograph hunter. I was amazed at seeing John Higgins, then I’d see Alan McManus and realise I was playing him the next day. Nowadays these players have been round these guys a lot more. The fear factor is not as much as it used to be. They aren’t scared to death, they are on first name terms with the top players. I felt like an imposter. Players are getting better.”
The Q Tour has a more European feel with events in Bulgaria, Sweden and Germany. How important is that for the growth of the game?
“For the game to grow we need players from different territories. It has to happen if it is to get bigger worldwide. We need to give these guys opportunities and one day it will happen. It already has with Luca B Brecel and that is great for the game. Ultimately the best players will get up there. You can give as many opportunities as you want but if they aren’t good enough they won’t make it and if they are they will. There is no Ronnie O’Sullivan back home moaning about the system, if you are good you will get on somehow.”
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