Anthony Hamilton Reflects on 2020 Withdrawal and Retirement Plans
Snooker veteran Anthony Hamilton, known as the “Sheriff of Pottingham,” has opened up about his decision to withdraw from the 2020 World Snooker Championship due to health concerns amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The 53-year-old, who suffers from asthma, pulled out on the opening day of the tournament, which had been rescheduled from April to August.
Looking back, Hamilton admits he regrets the decision, especially since the tournament continued without spectators from the second day onward. “In retrospect, if it had been now and we knew what everything was about, I’d have played, definitely,” he told SunSport.
Hamilton’s withdrawal drew criticism from fellow players and then World Snooker Tour chairman Barry Hearn. Even Ronnie O’Sullivan, a close friend, expressed his disappointment. “Ronnie rang me up and said: ‘You’ve got to play’. I said: ‘I can’t, I’ve already pulled out, Ron.’ He was quite angry about it,” Hamilton revealed.
As he prepares for possibly his last attempt to qualify for the Crucible, a venue he hasn’t graced since 2008, Hamilton is determined to end his career on a high note. Should he fail to secure a spot or regain his Tour Card via Q School, the snooker stalwart plans to retire after an impressive 34-year professional career.
Hamilton’s sole ranking tournament victory came at the 2017 German Masters, where he defeated Ali Carter 9-6 in the final. However, he has been plagued by a painful back problem diagnosed at age 35, which has hampered his performance in recent years.
Despite the challenges, Hamilton remains positive about his future prospects in coaching. “I’ve had to delve so far into the mental side of the game to compete. I’ve got a lot of empathy for players,” he explained. “I know what they’re going through. I’m a nice geezer – so hopefully people get on with you, which is important for a coach.”
Key Takeaways:
- Anthony Hamilton regrets withdrawing from the 2020 World Snooker Championship due to COVID-19 concerns.
- The decision drew criticism from fellow players and officials, including Ronnie O’Sullivan and Barry Hearn.
- Hamilton, 53, is aiming to qualify for the Crucible one last time before potentially retiring.
- A chronic back problem has affected Hamilton’s performance in recent years, but he remains optimistic about a future in coaching.
- Hamilton’s sole ranking tournament win came at the 2017 German Masters, highlighting his talent and resilience in the face of adversity.
