Snooker legend Cliff Thorburn, who made the first Crucible maximum break 40 years ago, looks back on his amazing career in the new episode of the WST Podcast. Canada's Thorburn recalls his World Championship triumph in 1980, that 147 in 1983, and many other remarkable moments and anecdotes from his life in a wide-ranging interview.
With the annual Crucible marathon just days away, Joe Johnson looks back to his extraordinary 1986 World Championship triumph in the new episode of the WST Podcast. Johnson recalls the moments when he beat Steve Davis in the final, and reflects on how it changed his life forever. He said: "After the final I went with my wife to the snooker club, there were hundreds of people there to greet us. We were there until about 4.30am then went home. The next morning, about 8am, we heard a tapping on the window. There were press boys, on ladders, knocking on the bedroom window, trying to get pictures through the curtains. We got up and invited everyone into out little house, made them a cup of tea and talked about winning the world title. At that time, everyone in England knew who you were."
Joe O'Connor reflects on the best season of his career so far in the new episode of the WST Podcast. The Leicester cueman recalls his run to the final of the Scottish Open and also looks ahead to the Cazoo World Championship qualifying rounds which started today. "It would be a dream to make it to the TV stages, that's the pinnacle of our sport," said world number 30 O'Connor, who is the highest ranked player yet to play at the Crucible. "I have lost in the final round twice, hopefully this time I can make it and finish off an incredible season."
South America's top player Victor Sarkis joins us for the new episode of the WST Podcast. The Brazilian ace recalls his victory at the 2021 Pan-American Championship with deep emotion, as his father was seriously ill in hospital at the time. Sarkis also reflects on his first few months as a tour pro, and explains why he is sure he will climb into the world's top 64.
Rob Walker sits down with man of the season Mark Allen to look back on his biggest matches at the Crucible and look ahead to this year's Cazoo World Championship.
Oliver Lines reflects on his time as a tour pro in the new episode of the WST Podcast. Lines discusses his friendship with Judd Trump, his run to the quarter-finals of the 2022 Turkish Masters and the time he played his dad Peter in a ranking event.
Switzerland's top player Alexander Ursenbacher reflects on his outstanding record against Ronnie O'Sullivan in the new episode of the WST Podcast. Aside from one Championship League defeat, Ursenbacher has won all three of his meetings with World Champion O'Sullivan, at the 2019 Welsh Open, 2020 UK Championship and 2022 British Open. "After the first time I beat Ronnie, I really started to believe that I can beat anyone if I play well," said the former English Open semi-finalist. "When I drew him again in the UK, I didn't fear him, I just felt this is exciting, to be playing the greatest ever at one of the biggest tournaments. He brings the best mindset out of me because it's the ultimate test. If you are not up for that, I don't know why you are holding a cue."
Former UK Championship semi-finalist David Grace is in the hot seat for the new episode of the WST Podcast. Grace looks back on his brilliant run to the last four in York back in 2015, as well as his semi-final appearance at the 2020 Northern Ireland Open and his silver medal at the 2009 World Games. The Yorkshireman also discusses his talent for painting portraits of snooker players.
In the new episode of the WST Podcast, Andrew Pagett insists that he could have been a top 32 player if he had dedicated himself to practice during his career. Looking back on his career on the baize he said: "Everyone around the valley will tell you I'm one of the most talented and gifted players to have picked a cue up. It's all natural with me. If my head is clear and I'm focussed then I take some beating. It's a million per cent that I'm a top 32 player, at least that."
Tom Mc Elligott
fantastic interview 👏