The Snookerbacker Blog

Welcome to the Captain’s Log where you will find regular updates from the one and only Ali Carter, the original Captain.

Feel free to leave a comment for the Captain. I know he reads them!

If you read from the bottom up you’ll get Ali’s take from take off.

Ni hao (as they say in China)

I arrived back from Beijing last Sunday evening and am just about running on UK time again now.  I was pleased to get to the quarter finals out there and played some really good stuff against Stuart Bingham in my first round match.  My all round game was good in that match and I scored heavily but my next round wasn’t quite so pretty! Marcus Campbell is a very experienced and tough match player and he made it very difficult to get any fluency going.  However, despite getting very frustrated at times and having it far from all my own way, I managed to dig deep and turn the match around and run out the winner in the end.

It was a totally different match to my first round but in a way it’s good to get a match like that under your belt as you have to learn to win matches in all types of conditions and circumstances and its reassuring to come through those gritty matches when not everything goes according to plan.

Next up was Mr Selby.  I’d got the better of him on our last couple of outings but this time The Jester ’played like god’ as we sometimes say!  The first game could have gone either way and perhaps if I had won it then it might have been a different match.  But after that, I can’t honestly say I played bad to let Mark in but he made three total clearances and a 70 break from one sniff each frame so there is not much anyone can do about that!

But all in all in was a good trip.  My mate Steve was with me again and there can be a lot of time to kill when ahead of and in between matches and so aside from the trips to the market and a few nice meals out we took the opportunity to go and see the Great Wall of China one afternoon.

A few of the other boys (Mark Davis, Barry Hawkins, Gerry Greene and ‘The Gentleman’ Joe Perry) all went to see it a day or so before and reported back how amazing it was so we really felt we should go. In all my trips previously I had never made it there but I was so glad we went this time. It was a lovely, clear and warm afternoon and there were fewer other tourists around than I thought there would be, which was a bonus.

We took the ski lift to the Wall and walked along quite a way but it really is very very hard work.  Took plenty of pictures and the views and the Wall itself were just spectacular.  To finish off, we were able to take a toboggan run down from the Wall.  This involved sitting in what was basically a plastic tray (like a sledge) with a joystick to operate a break (of sorts!) and hurtling down a steel track along fast straights and sharp banked bends. It took about 2 minutes to get to the bottom but it felt like 10 minutes! It really was a great laugh and an exhilarating experience to finish off what was a great day out. To get a sense of what it was like you can watch it here.

On the Saturday after my quarter final match on the Friday night myself and Mr Hendry, Mr King and Mr Ebdon had to go across town to do a photo shoot and some filming for one of our sponsors – a large Chinese sportswear company called K-Bird. You may have seen the logo on our waistcoats - its a bit like an upside down Nike logo. We all had lots of pictures taken, individually, then we all had to do some filming, again individually, for a TV ad they are putting together.

My bit involved me sitting in my chair at the table awaiting my opponent to take his shot.  Then as he took it, his trousers rip (so the story goes for the advert) and I have to point and laugh on cue at him! Then the crowd (of extras) all burst into laughter too.

Now, I’m no actor and trying to deliver a genuine laugh on demand, over and over on the numerous takes was harder than you’d think!  The actor playing the other snooker player was from Austria and clearly hadn’t held a cue before and seemingly had no clue about snooker either.  I tried to help him with a quick crash course but on the first take, when the cameras were rolling he got down and cued up to the brown ball!! – now that did give me a genuine laugh!

Oh well, it was an experience and we got there in the end.  I look forward to seeing the end result as the other guys had to do similar things too so presumably it will all be edited together.  If we get notified when its done and it becomes available online anywhere I will make sure Mr SB puts up a link to it on here.

Some of the pictures on this post are a few snaps from the trip to share with you all - not exactly holiday snaps but as close as I look like getting at the moment!

Well Sheffield and the World Champs is nearly here then and its around about now that all the range of emotions kick in – nervousness, anxiousness, excitement, expectation….. you get the idea!

And the Oscar for Best Actor goes to....

Its been said before but there really is nothing like this tournament and I can’t wait to get up there and get cracking now.  We will head up on Friday morning to arrive in good time in the afternoon.  We will have a wander down to the Crucible and soak it all up as the final preparations are being made and grab a bit of time on the practise tables.  A chill out in the hotel for a while and then a nice meal out in the evening should round off the day nicely and when I wake up in the morning its down to the serious business of the tournament.

I enjoy playing the first weekend and the atmosphere is always absolutely buzzing with anticipation and excitement on the opening day.  We will head back home to Essex on the Monday after my first round match and if everything has gone to plan then we will head back up on Thursday ahead of round 2 on Friday.

I always prefer to head home if at all possible in between rounds one and two.  Its just nice to get away from the pressure for a bit, get back to my home comforts for a couple of days and see Max, get some more practise in, re-group and look forward to getting back up for the rest of the tournament.

I’ve been putting in the work since I got back from China and really feel like I have been starting to hit the ball a lot better recently and that my game is in good shape. I’ve kept the same tip on that I’ve had on for the last few months which is playing just how I like it.

Mr Harold is going to be one tough opponent – I know that much! – he never makes it easy for you and I have to be prepared mentally for a long tough match.  I’ve come through our last couple of encounters but they have been close tussles.

So stay tuned in folks and enjoy the upcoming 17 days or so of top class snooker action. I think Bazza was right in his press conference recently when he said its very wide open this year but I hope its my mug that’s making up one half of the finalists that you will be seeing on your TV screens come the finals weekend.

Here’s to a smooth and safe landing….

All the best

Ali

To read what happened when Ali and Shaun Murphy came round for tea click here.

Look out for Ali’s chat with Mrs Snookerbacker with a good mate of his here

The Captain is already dreaming of the Crucible.

The Captain’s Log 17/3/11

Apologies for being off the radar for a little while – as ever it seems these days it’s been a busy time and I have been a bit pre-occupied with a few things.

Since I last wrote, we’ve had the Shootout, The German Masters and the Welsh Open and I’ve also squeezed in an exhibition in the North East and a trip to China (The Chinalife Hainan Classic), from which I’ve just returned.  Every one of those tournaments had something different to offer and was individual in its own way and that just goes to show the diversity we are starting to see in our game now with these new formats and new tournaments.  The Shootout was a great success, not for me personally, as I lost in my second round match but for the tournament itself and snooker as a whole.  I can’t wait to play in another one.  I think that tournament got a lot of people talking about the game again and raising the profile of snooker which in my view, can only be a good thing.

Berlin was again, something quite different.  The open plan set up made it difficult to get in the zone at times and I think a few players struggled with it but it was a well run tournament and the attendances were amazing with some very knowledgeable and enthusiastic fans.

I had a good run in the Welsh Open to get to the semis and I felt like I played some better stuff there and again, that tournament, as it always is, was very well attended.

We travelled up to the North East a couple of weeks ago to do an exhibition and that was an enjoyable trip.  They had lined up a group of local players, all with credibility being local champions etc (including ‘The Glove’ – a bit of a local legend by all accounts!) as well as a couple of ex pros.  It’s always nice to be asked to do exhibitions and it was a pleasure to entertain the guys and girls.  There was some good banter flying around and I made a couple of tons and played okay so all in all it was a good night.  At the end of the night they presented me with a big framed picture to remember the night by.

It contained a collection of various different shots of me from over the years pulling various faces! – rather politely, they called the picture ‘Champions Expressions’.  Actually, I didn’t realise I was capable of so many expressions! – note to self – take a leaf out of Hendry’s book and be more dead-pan! lol.  It was a really nice touch actually and I shall definitely find a home for it in my home or club – haven’t decided that one yet – not sure if I can face the stick from the punters up the club if I put it up in there! Ha ha.

Ali enjoyed his time in China

The trip to Hainan was also a good one.  Hainan is apparently known as the Chinese Hawaii and it was indeed a very nice location.  Pity the weather wasn’t a bit better – we did get a lot of rain, but a few of the boys managed a few rounds of golf in between the snooker and other duties.  Again, as ever, the hosts were very hospitable and got us involved in all sorts of fun and games while we were there.  I won’t post the links here but a little search on You Tube will reveal more……

So back home now and looking ahead to the Championship League finals next week and I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in there.  It’s a very tough group of boys with one place yet to be decided but that is going to take some winning but believe me, I’m up for the cup! I had my table recovered while I was away so I’ll be putting some graft in before next week.

Back off to China a week Saturday for the China Open in Beijing but as always, around this time of year, we already have one eye on the big one in Sheffield.  With the qualifiers now complete we know the full line up which includes two debutants so congratulations go out to them.  I will never forget my first outing at the Crucible – it’s something special so I’m sure those boys will feel that too.  I’m off up to Wembley on 21 March to help with the draw when all will be revealed and the preparations can then begin.  I’m happy with my game at the moment although I feel I can still eek out more.  I’m continuing to work hard and my confidence is good so can’t wait to get involved with these next three events coming up.

Right, I’m off to get the fiver that Mark King owes me for the KFC we had up in Blackpool.  That boy is something else! – calling me a scrooge??!! (refer to SB’s question and answer session with him a couple of weeks or so ago…) He is like the Queen – he never has any money on him (rather conveniently!)……and that fiver is the tip of the iceberg, believe me!

All the best, over and out.
The Captain

After a couple of years chilling out at Crondon Park, he's finally off Ali's back.

The Captain’s Log 28/01/11

Hello again everyone

Well after a bit of a barren spell and some not particularly impressive results recently from me I’m delighted to be writing this as now having that ‘monkey off my back’ that is winning one of the groups in the Championship League.  So congratulations to me! he he.  As I’ve said before, I do love this event for many different reasons but the fact that I’d had never managed to get to the final play off group before was kind of getting on my nerves a bit.  But this time round it couldn’t really have worked out much better as I’ve had some great match practice over the last few weeks, earned a few ‘bags’ and its great to know I’m coming back for the winners group in March as we head up north on Friday for the Shoot Out Extravaganza in Blackpool.  On a personal note as well, I certainly feel so much better in my game after feeling a bit rusty and not quite there with my game for a little while now and overall I feel I’m getting back to playing some decent stuff again, and churning it out fairly consistently.  But I’m not sitting back – still plenty of room for improvement too.

I’m certainly looking forward to this weekend in Blackpool and having spoken to a few of the other boys I think everyone pretty much feels the same too.  I think we are all going to treat it as a bit of fun but I for one will certainly not take my eye off the fact that there’s a title and a whole bunch of cash of for grabs!  Yeah, so its a bit different and not really snooker as we are used to it but I think there is room in our game for something like this every now and then and in my opinion, anything that gets Snooker out there and raises the profile of the Sport and us players can’t be a bad thing.  Accepted, it won’t be to everyone’s taste but I say lets give it a chance and enjoy it for what it is.  The core major tournaments still remain and we love those too of course and would not want to see them changed too drastically, if at all.  Anyway, I’ll be up for it and can’t wait to get out there amongst it and I’m lucky that my game will be a high profile affair being against the legend that is the Whirlwind – hopefully it will be buzzing out there!

Ali let Max choose the colour scheme, not sure Mrs Carter will approve.

Away from the table I’ve found a bit of time to attend to some painting and decorating a few rooms in my house with a friend of mine helping me out.  Max has been keen to lend a hand too in his own way.  When I’ve splashed a few sample colours on the walls he’s tended to point to one and laugh and smile – so I’m guessing that’s his way of telling me which one he likes.  However, I’m happy with that being the extent of his involvement – I would not want to think of what would happen if he got hold of a paint brush and paint!  Oh, and after having my new kitchen fitted a year ago, the replacement cupboard door finally turned up. When the kitchen was fitted last year, one door arrived in the wrong colour.  So when the replacement turned up finally in the right colour after a year or so I thought ‘at last!’ – only to discover that the handle had been attached in the wrong place! GRRRRRR!!! It will have to wait now……

Okay, preparing for take off so until the next time….All the best
Ali 

It's time for The Captain to turn on the engines.

The Captain’s Log 07/01/11

Happy New Year to Everyone. I’ve not made any resolutions but the goals I set myself at the start of the season obviously remain in force and so I’m happy to count them as my resolutions!

Talking of ‘force’, I’m looking forward to facing my old mate Peter ‘The Force’ Ebdon on Sunday evening at the Masters. Can’t wait to get it on now! Peter and I often share a bottle of red over dinner here and there when we are away at tournaments.  Peter might not be everyones cup of tea but he’s a cracking fella and I have the utmost respect for him as a person and a player.  No one can grind quite like he does and as we all know he can go on one at any point or even just stop you playing so I’m expecting to have my hands full.  But come Sunday night the gloves will be off I assure you and I’ll be doing my best to keep him in the chair and come out the winner.

I was due to get my table at the club recovered on Monday morning in preparation for the Masters.  I’d arranged for someone to be at the club early to let the table fitter in, however, they were unable to make it down to the club early enough and as he was unable to get hold of anyone he shot off before anyone arrived at the club! GRRRRRRR!!!  I wasn’t able to get him back in time either but luckily I have been able to get some great match practice in this week with the Championship League.

After the first days play on the Bank Holiday Monday I invited the boys down to my club to watch the Darts final as my club is only 10 minutes from the Crondon Park Golf Club, the venue for the Championship League. The refs came down along with Mr Selby and his manager Mukesh, and Smurf and his manager Brandon Parker. It was a great Darts final and we had a good laugh with Smurf on particularly good form. The regulars at the club were also taken a bit by surprise when two of Snooker’s finest bowled through the door and made themselves at home.

When Mark went to leave he was confronted by Andy King (Mark King’s brother) who regularly plays in our club competitions. Andy is a real nice fella and said to Mark – ‘I’ll see you Sunday at the Masters’ – Mark looked a bit confused and politely said, ‘yeah, great’ not knowing who he was.  Then Andy did introduce himself and said ‘yeah, look forward to the match – battle of the left handers!’ – again, Mark politely chuckled, said his goodbyes and walked out, not bothering to correct Andy that the last time he checked he was actually a right handed player! It was funny – but I guess you had to be there…….

Ali will know all about Cliff by the weekend.

The groups have been tough, very tough and whilst I was delighted with my showing on the first couple of days league matches, I was gutted to lose the final against the Jester on Tuesday night. I all but had it in the bag at 2-2 but a nasty kick at a crucial time definitely cost me the match in my opinion. I was steaming at the time and afterwards and it took me a while to calm down as I felt robbed. But these things happen (unfortunately) in our game and I guess what goes around comes around but sometimes when you are striving to win and working hard these sorts of bad breaks can be very hard to swallow.  Still, all was not lost as I was back for the next group, which was another ‘group of death!’

Four world champions in the group so coming through that was never going to be easy.  Had a bit of a mare in that group but didn’t feel I played bad but those short formats can go either way on the day. In the circumstances I was happy enough to survive relegation and finish in 5^th place and earn the right to roll over to the next group and have another bash at qualifying next time round.

Overall I feel I am cueing well and I’m starting to score much heavier than I have been recently although I know I can still improve a lot.  I’ll be continuing to work hard before the Masters starts on Sunday – I even have a best of three lined up with Dennis Taylor when he comes to the club on Saturday evening to do an exhibition. He he. I made quite a few 70 plus breaks in the matches at Crondon and you have to do that – score very heavily and win frames at one visit.

The standard was very high and a lot of the players were scoring heavy which makes it very cut throat as quite often one chance and its frame over.  Mr SB said that he’s had a few comments that the tables seemed to be playing easy at the League.  I have to say none of us thought that was the case – the tables were playing nice, other than the odd ping here and there off the cushions and of course a couple of untimely kicks I suffered!

Right, time to crack on and get back on the baize.  I’m practicing with Mr Higgins today (Friday) at my club as he’s staying down south following the conclusion of the Championship League matches and ahead of Wembley.

Enjoy the Masters – wish me luck for a safe landing!

Over and out

Ali.

The Captain’s Christmas Yule Log 24/12/10

Seasons Greetings Everyone!

Well I have to admit that as usual, I’m pretty much totally unprepared for Christmas. Not that I’m really worrying as I’m the same every year and it always sorts itself out one way or the other in the end!

Probably like a lot of you reading this, we’ve had plenty of snow over the last few weeks and its put pay to a few plans here and been a bloomin’ inconvenience to be honest! Little Max loves it of course, like most kids, but for the rest of us who have to go about our daily business it does become a bit of a drag. I’ll be glad to see the back of it and hope it stays that way! The weather put a stop to a planned night out with my mates last Saturday so a few of us got together last night instead and had the traditional Christmas Curry and a few beers.

However, despite the festive season being upon us, its no time to take my foot off the gas or my hand off the baize. The start of the year is a pretty busy one and I’ve been spending plenty of time on the table recently and will continue to do so over the holidays. I’ll be returning to work on 3rd January when I’ll be playing in the first group of the Championship League held at Crondon Park Golf Club. It a really tough group for starters with the likes of Higgins, Williams, Smurf, Selby, Maguire and Dotty to contend with! Quality line up but I’ve done well in these events in the past so I’m looking to get out the blocks sharpish again here.

I love this little league format and it will be great match practice against these top boys in preparation for the Masters. The added bonus for me in the Championship League matches is that the venue is literally only 10 minutes from my house. So it’s lovely not to have to make the long slog anywhere and to be able to pop home or back to the club for lunch if I want while the others are having to live out of a suitcase for a few days. I remember that this time last year we had a lot of snow and ice and it made getting in and out of the Golf Club very very tricky. There is about a mile long, windy, hilly track when you come off the main road up to the Club and last year it was so icy that one night after the matches finished we had to get an escort from one of the Club’s 4×4′s in case we got into trouble negotiating the uphill toboggan slope! Ronnie went off in front in his Audi R8 and I followed behind in my real wheeler – Ronnie made it up no prob but I stepped the back of mine out once or twice (which, admittedly, was fun!) but thankfully I made it out in one piece! There’s no 4×4 on my drive this year either so I hope the weather holds off so we don’t have to encounter that again!

I’m looking forward to some more competitive snooker in the new year and can’t wait to get stuck into the Masters. Can’t help but love that tournament but I’ve never really done any good in it so I’m hoping I can go deep this year. I see that Mr Hendon has tipped me so I hope he’s not a bad judge and doesn’t bok for England! There is one other important tournament before all that though – the Christmas Eve club handicap tomorrow morning! Need to get my head on for that before I can relax and concentrate on Christmas! He he – all good fun – should be a good day. We have a great bunch of guys and gals at the club and it will be well attended and a good laugh. We also have Dennis Taylor coming to the club on 8th January to do an exhibition so the club is looking forward to hosting him and giving the punters a great evening’s entertainment.

I’ll just be knocking around at home and the club at Christmas and spending time with my family and friends. Can’t wait to see Max enjoying his Christmas – he’s just about old enough to have enough of an idea that something fun and good is going on! Just remains for me to wish everyone a really great Christmas and a very happy, healthy and prosperous new year. Also, thanks to everyone for reading and taking interest in the blog and for the support and kind comments that have been passed on to me over the time. Have a great one and I’ll catch up with you all again in the new year.

All the very best

Your Captain, Ali.

More from the Captain

Captain’s Log 04/12/10

Hi everyone,

Its been a little while since I entered the cockpit so before the Championship kicks off today here’s a brief update.

Well we’ve had plenty of snow much like the rest of the country it seems and I haven’t actually been able to get my car off the drive! I’ve got totally the wrong ride for these conditions as my car is a bit of a beast, rear wheel drive and auto/tiptronic. So,it was Mum to the rescue and she’s let me have her wheels in the meantime and I’ve been smoking round all week in her little Corsa!! Thankfully this morning it seems to be thawing out a bit and I think its going to be fine to get mine off the drive, loaded up, warmed up and hopefully get us up the road to Telford in one piece later today.

I must admit that I was sort of all geared up to be facing the Nugget at Telford and I would loved to have played the legend in such a great Championship.  But Mr Joyce had his own ideas and caned Steve so well done to him and see you in the first round! Funnily, my mate Steve bumped into the Nugget down at a shopping mall in London on Monday where he was doing a bit of promotion for the shopping mall and playing a few punters at pool. They were both surprised to see each other there but Steve had a bit of a chin wag with the Nugget in between games and Nugget jokingly said that this was his practice for the UK – he was driving straight up to Sheffield after his duties were done there as he was playing his qualifier the next day.  Judging by the result, perhaps the nugget wasn’t joking after all!!

As ever, I’m looking forward to the tournament and I always enjoy the longer format matches.  Its a good venue and its great to see The Whirlwind qualifying and what a match up against Hendry! This can only be great for the game to see The Wind back in the big time and I’m sure there will be a buzz around the tournament with Jimmy in it.  I think they are scheduled to play same time as me Sunday afternoon so I don’t expect many punters in watching my game!! – I wouldn’t have minded popping my head in and catching a bit of it myself!

After the UK I’ll be looking forward to the little break over Christmas and spending time with friends and family.  Max is now 15 months old and he probably wont have a great idea of what Christmas is all about this year (but certainly more than he did last year!) but I can’t wait to give him his pressies.  Got a fab one for him a when I saw it a few months ago and bought it there and then and have been itching to give it to him ever since!

Okay, got to finish packing, sort the car and get over to pick Steve up and get on the road so for now its over and out.

Hope you all enjoy the tournament and I’ll touchdown again before Christmas is here.

All the best
Captain

Captain’s Log 08/11/10

Hi again everyone and greetings from the flightdeck,

Wow, well doesn’t time fly! – I hadn’t realised it’s been over two weeks since I last let you all in on what’s been going on in my little world.

It’s been a busy time recently – not that I’m complaining at that, its great to have plenty of playing opportunities and to keep on the go.  It seems there is going to be a bit of a break for me now though until the UK Championships this time next month.  I know there are two EPTCs coming up but the likelihood is that I won’t go to play in them.  Frankly, I’m going to need a miracle to qualify now and I think having my weekends at home and being able to get stuck in to some serious practice in the club over the next few weeks in preparation for the UK Champs will be far more valuable to me.

Last week we headed down to Gloucester for the EPTC and congratulations must go to Steve Lee for not only getting the fantastic trophy and all the Euros but all the pies as well! They were handing out free samples at the weekend and they were very good pies so save us one please Stevie boy!

It’s a funny old game as they say.  I felt fantastic in my first match against Reanne who didn’t really get going against me, but I did feel I played well and was happy with how I was cueing.  I knew my next match against Jamie Jones wouldn’t be straight forward, and as I’ve said before, none of the matches at these events are. I flew out of the blocks with a good ton clearance and thought I was going to continue in the vein! How wrong was I?!  A great reply from Jamie in the second frame with a 96 I think it was off a long ball and it was 1 – 1.  Great snooker for the spectators though I guess!

I don’t feel I did a lot wrong to lose the next three frames and Jamie fluked crucial 2nd last reds in the next two frames to give him a massive edge.  More bad ball run in the next and we were heading back down the M4! I’m going to blame my mate Steve anyway as he whacked a tweet up (mngrsteve147) after the first frame saying how well I was cueing! That boy clearly boks for England!!! Cheers for that kiss of death mate!

Jamie is obviously a very handy player but I do find these tournaments are such a leveller and found it much like trawling through mud trying to make any headway in these events.  Bring back the big stage please!! – I’m gagging to get back out amongst it at a prestigious TV tournament and am really looking forward to the UK Champs.

The one bonus in exiting the PTC early was being able to head back at a reasonable time before an early ish start to be up at the O2 in London at 10am in preparation for the Power Snooker event.  I’m sure there are many varying views on this concept and how the actual day panned out and came across on TV.  From my perspective, I was delighted to be involved and really enjoyed the day.  I do think there is a place for the game but maybe to run parallel to the traditional game and I don’t see any harm in trying to mix it up a bit and try new things.  I think anything that draws attention to the game and the players can only be good news.  I do think some of the rules might need tweaking a bit to make it a bit more snappy and encourage closer games and although the crowd participation bit is again, something different and I’m not adverse to it, it does need to be controlled to some degree.

I think I’m right in saying that Patricia Murphy, who did a great job, I thought, left the stage very upset after one match having taken quite a bit of inappropriate and unnecessary stick during the game.  Clearly, that sort of behaviour from any crowd at such an event is not acceptable and we do need to be careful not to let get things get out of hand again in that way at any future similar events there may be.  It was a minority I think, as in most cases, and on the whole the banter was fun and light hearted.

Overall, I know all the players involved enjoyed the day.  There were one or two technical and production hitches but the organisers did a great job overall.  The table was so rapid but I was pleased to get  a couple of good wins and take home the bronze medal.  I also enjoyed the opportunity to have  crack at doing a bit of commentary – they asked me last minute if I would step in and have a bash at it and I thought why not?! – I’ve had some nice feedback actually – don’t know what you guys thought who heard it?! – be gentle, it was my first attempt and I am after all, still a snooker player, hopefully for a few years to come yet!

Having said all that, clearly, the most important matter and the biggest honour for me on the day was to be able to fly the Team SnookerBacker colours! What a shirt eh??!!  Would have been nice if they had got me one that fitted a bit snugger but in view of the huge interest and ‘hand bags at dawn’ that occurred between us all back stage, fighting to get the right to walk out on that stage in that sartorially elegant and almost show stopping (literally!) garment, it’s a day in my life that I will never forget!

Now Mr SnookerBacker doesn’t know this yet but I’ve kept the shirt and intend to send it up to him shortly (unlaundered) as a small gift to him and in appreciation of his services to Snooker.  I’m sure Mrs SB will be delighted at the prospect of laundering, pressing and presenting to Mr SB this important and significant piece of Snooker folk lore.

That will be all for now folks…until the next time…..(Captain’s Tip: Don’t go boarding any Qantas A380s!)

Ali

The Captain looks after his followers.

Captain’s Log 20/10/10

Greetings from the Cockpit

Firstly, this time I have to say congratulations to the Spaceman for his PTC win.  Dom had been playing well all weekend by all accounts and I’m sure he’ll be delighted to take the shiny ‘platter that matters’ back to Vienna.  I hope he takes better care of it than I did with my last trophy when on his travels.

As for me, well it was nice to make it to the final day of a PTC event at the weekend, albeit with a little help from Mr Williams along the way – I’m not complaining! We were on the road up north and only about 20 minutes from Sheffield when the call came in to say he’d withdrawn which meant that I now wasn’t playing until 7 pm that night.  So it meant that we were now turning up pretty early but that gave me the opportunity to grab some lunch, get checked into the hotel and relax a bit before the evening game.

Had a bit of a scare against Patrick Einsle in my first game and he made me fight hard for the win.  I was in and out of form in that game but pleased with how I dug in to pull it out in the end.  Being the player expected to win brings about its own set of pressures and believe me, no match up there in these events is an easy draw.  Didn’t get on against Lui Song until gone 11 pm but thankfully I played well and did a bit of a demolition job to win 4-0 in an hour.  As the last match on, I think Mike Ganley and the rest of the World Snooker crew were also pretty pleased with that result as they were there stupid late the night before too and it left enough time for the boys to get back and have a well earned beer! – so Mike, you owe me a beer!

We got back to the hotel and it was only when chatting to Jimmy White in the bar that I realised I played him in the morning! We hadn’t really looked at the draw to be honest! It’s always great to play one of the legends and again, on paper, I would have been expected to come through that match.  But hats off to Jimmy, he played very solid stuff and had me glued to the back rail.  He’s still a tough draw, especially in these types of events.  He looks like he’s playing some good stuff recently and that’s what’s needed to qualify for the venues.  The standard is so tough these days but as I’m sure many would agree, it would be great to see him qualifying and back playing at the big TV events again.

I’m not playing in the EPTC event this weekend but will be back for the next one being held at Gloucester.  That weekend looks like being pretty hectic as it is also the weekend of the Power Snooker in London.

They have scheduled my matches on the Friday in the EPTC so if I qualify for the final day on Sunday its going to mean a run down to Gloucester Thursday night, back to London on Saturday then an early start back to Gloucester again on Sunday! Might be easier to fuel up the plane for these runs – that would make light work of it!

I’ll then be playing at least one more EPTC to ensure that I’ve met the criteria by playing at least three events of each of the PTC and EPTCs to try and get in the play offs, although I’ll need to go deep in the remaining ones I play to have a chance of qualifying for that final event.

Finally, Mr SB seems to have been banging on about some changes to his site recently – all too technical and way over my head but all the same a special shout out to the guv’nor for doing whatever it was he had to do to make the site better for all concerned!

All the best folks, ‘til next time
Ali

Captain’s Log 11/10/10

Hi all

Well a disappointing outing in Sheffield but you win some you lose some I guess.  I’m my toughest critic when it comes to my game and if I knew I’d played bad then I’d be beating myself up for losing but in all honesty I felt like I played okay and am certainly starting to feel like I’m cueing well again.  The table was not playing very nice but its the same for both of us and no excuses.  Mark played well and really didn’t miss a lot so I will just accept the result and look forward to getting back up next week and having another crack.

Marco Fu did quite well parading round the table using borrowed shoes (as he’d forgotten his own!) and I saw Smurf having a nap in his motor when we left the venue – maybe I should try something a little bit different myself rather than just turn up on time, feeling fresh and with all my appropriate kit!! – any suggestions??!!

We stayed up in Sheffield for the night anyway and went for a lovely meal with a drop or two of wine then drove home Sunday.  Hopefully my drive home next week will be late Sunday night rather than Sunday lunchtime.

Nothing much happening this week so I’ll be putting in plenty of work on the table and I’m sure the weekend and the next PTC will soon be upon us.

Have a good week everyone, until the next time…

Ali

Captain’s Log 07/10/10

Hi everyone

Well since my return from Glasgow my feet feel like they haven’t really hit the ground! As Mr Snookerbacker himself commented, I was unable to clear for take-off for the Bruges EPTC. I had intended to go and play this event and was looking forward to seeing a bit of Bruges (well to be truthful as little as possible – because that would have meant I was doing okay in the tournament and stuck inside plugging away on the green baize!). Unfortunately a few things came up at home and I reluctantly had to submit my withdrawal.

I’m looking forward to the next two PTC events in Sheffield though. My mate Steve will be coming up with me and we always enjoy heading up to Sheffield. Of course, traditionally, when we head up the road north it’s on the annual pilgrimage for the World Championships. It does feel kind of odd going up for any other reason but I’m looking forward to getting back up there this weekend and getting stuck into the tournament.

I’ve had my new Star table fitted in the club and I’m delighted with it. When you get a brand new table and a new cloth etc it’s rather like getting a new car. The minute you drive it out of the showroom it’s never new again, if you know what I mean! What I’m saying is that it’s as close to match conditions as I can replicate when the table is first fitted but over time it will pick up the odd knock here and there (usually when I’ve missed a dolly black off the spot!!) and of course I can’t reasonably replace the cloth every week. It’s great to have it in the club though and it’s certainly attracted a lot of interest from the members – a lot of whom would not have had the chance to see a match table up close or pot a ball on one.

Attended the Power Snooker launch on Tuesday in London and that was a lot of fun. We learned the rules and had an opportunity to have a few games. I had travelled up to London on the train so didn’t take my cue as being a one piece, its rather cumbersome and I was pretty much travelling in peak commuter times so thought it safer to leave it at the club. I borrowed a stick from one of the guys and enjoyed the knock around and scored pretty heavily actually, bashing up a couple of the boys! – hope I do the same on the day! We got given a set of balls to practice with so I’ll be spending a bit of time trying to work out a strategy. However, essentially, I guess it comes down to the same old thing – as JV would say – ‘pot as many balls as you can!’ There were some rather attractive ladies present at the event
and I feel that the main event is going to be a real glitz and glam affair! I was asked to invite some of my ‘celebrity’ friends – I might need to borrow some of these – otherwise it will be me and a couple of dodgy Essex geezers in tow!! Anyway, bring it on – think it’s going to be fun…..

The Day Job: Ali wants to get on with his snooker.

Finally, I must say I am a bit surprised at how the whole episode of the EGM requisition seems to have blown up over the last few days. As you will all be aware, I had shown my support for the action initially and then I have subsequently withdrawn it. It appears that I have come in for quite a bit of criticism over the matter and that’s criticism which, to some extent, I accept comes with my profile and status in the game. I do not wish to comment at length on the matter and I do not feel there is any obligation on me to make my thoughts on the subject public.

I was asked to commit my support whilst in the middle of competing at the World Open. Perhaps I was a bit naïve in not paying the matter due care and consideration at the time. I had not really had the opportunity to think about it and I had not fully appreciated the implications of expressing my support at the time. I have a good working and professional relationship with Lee Doyle and I have been attached to the 110sport stable for some years now but on reflection, I decided to withdraw my support. This was more concerned with the fact that I did not really wish to become embroiled in the politics of what is going on in the sport. I am a snooker player and that’s what I want to do – play snooker. I appreciate that as a member of the WPBSA what goes on in the boardroom affects me as a player but I would much rather leave those responsible, and who are perhaps more qualified than I, to steer the direction of the game, and what it means for the members, and I will accept what follows from there.

Anyway, I’ve been cleared for take-off to Sheffield now. Keep on potting – I know I’m gonna try to!!

Till Next Time! Ali

Captain’s Log 22/09/10

Firstly, thanks all for reading my Log – it’s good to read all the comments – please keep them coming!  Mr SB has been informing me of the ‘hits’ on the Log and it seems to be fairly well received so I’ll keep logging away!….

Naturally, I’m disappointed to be out of the World Open.  I didn’t play well, and don’t really feel like I have been for a while now but I can’t grumble as I’ve been finding some results nevertheless.

Mark did play very well today and in that sort of form he is going to take some stopping.  There has been a lot of talk about this sort of format suiting him and I would tend to agree with that.  His temperament is first rate and he is such a great potter and can score and get frames over with very quickly and with the minimum of fuss.

But there’s always some positives at times like these. I will be glad to get in my own bed for a few nights as I do feel I have been pretty much living out of a suitcase and on the road quite a bit recently.  It will be nice to get home for a little while, get back in the club and practicing again and as always I can’t wait to see Max and spend some time with him.

I’ll be in the EPTC in Bruges next weekend and I need to get a new tip on and knocked in sharpish. Also, I have a new Star match table coming very soon so looking forward to getting that in my club – I’m sure the members will be keen to have a knock on there too as these match tables really do play so different to standard club tables.

Pretending to be the World Champ can land you in bother

One quick funny – we were waiting at Glasgow airport for our flight to Stansted tonight when Matt Selt rocked up. He’s good friends with Neil Robertson and he’s up with Neil this week but he’s had to dash home this evening and, as I understand it is heading back up in the morning.

Thing is, when he turned up at the airport and went to check in on the same Easyjet flight as us, he’d picked up Robbo’s passport instead of his own! So he wasn’t allowed to get on the flight without photo ID and it topped up that he had to buy an alternative flight with BMI Baby into Heathrow to get home! (they don’t require photo ID, apparently). These boys…..

Enjoy the rest of the tournament (without me! boo hoo).  I’ll have to watch it on the TV like everyone else now!

Until the next time…

The Captain

Captain’s Log 19/09/10

Today I had brekkie with The Grifta (Terry Griffiths) and Marco Fu.  Terry is great company and a great bloke and Marco is a lovely fella too – that boy can post some Coco Pops I tell ya!! – he’s a three bowls a morning man!!

Bit of a post match debrief and goes without saying that I’m obviously well pleased to come through that first match.  Can’t but help using the much loved phrase ‘banana skin’ but that’s exactly what that match was to me.  He was a tricky little player and hats off to him for his effort – he’s a great potter and to be fair he should really have taken me to 2 – 2, and who knows what could have happened from there.

I was definitely running on fumes in that game but pleased to make it back to base camp and then have the opportunity to refuel and for the next one.  As long as I’m in the tournament I always feel I’ve got just as good a chance to bring home the bacon as any other man left in the field.  Mr Williams looked in pretty good nick this afternoon and I’m definitely going to have to turn up the gas but I know I’ve got plenty left in the tank.

The draw puts on me back on Tuesday afternoon but had it been a Wednesday game we were going to fly back to Essex tonight for a couple of days and head back up.  That’s not possible now so I’ll pass the time with relaxing as much as I can in the meantime and have a couple of nice meals out in the evenings, in between catching bits of the other games and keeping my arm going on the practice tables.

The Captain is on a mission to build Max a decent sandpit.

There is a really good atmosphere and buzz round the tournament and I love the BBC events so I’m definitely looking to extend my stay in Glasgow as long as I can.  Oh yeah, and there’s that small matter of a lovely trophy and the 100 bags!!…

On another note, my room number in the hotel is spookily the same number as it was in the hotel in Shanghai.  Hmmm…..My mate Steve is here with me again this week and when he comes to give me a knock to head out for whatever reason I never seem to be able to turn the right direction out of the door! Seriously, not once have I made the right turn yet!! – Steve keeps saying ‘oh, okay, I’ll see you down there then!’ and walking off in the opposite direction! Think I might need to recover the GPS from the plane!…

Over and out
The Captain

The Captain’s Log 17/09/10

Well to be honest I’m as surprised as probably the rest of you guys are that I am coming to the World Open as the ‘Shanghai Master’.  I’ve been in China quite a few times recently for some promotional work and what with those trips and some other personal commitments I hadn’t been able to get much time on the table to practice.

Nevertheless, I was looking forward to getting back to Shanghai for the tournament and hoped to be able to ‘play myself in’ a bit and then see how it goes from there…

Can’t pretend I played well throughout the tournament and conditions were very hard – to be frank, the tables were probably the worst we’d played on and all the boys pretty much seemed to agree. I know a bad work man blames his tools but you try landing a 747 smoothly with a 35 knot cross wind!! (not that I’ve ever done that either!).

Either way, somehow I managed to come out on top and naturally, was delighted to do so!  I played well against Selby, who I regard as an absolute machine, and hardly gave him a shot from 2-0 down and so I was proud of that performance and hope I can reproduce some of that form in the World Open.

Had a bit of a mare when I got back to Heathrow on Monday night though – cut a long story short, I left a bag in the airport carpark containing a netbook, new iphone 4, ipod, wallet, car and house keys etc…. ARRGGGHHHH!!!  On top of that, I had a little accident with the trophy and took a couple of chunks out of it! doh!  I think I can get it repaired but I have also asked the promoter in China if they can get another one sorted, just in case…

However, it really must have been my lucky week as I had a phone call from the police Wednesday morning to say my bag had turned up with all in tact!! woo hoo! I really had a colgate smile after that news!!

It doesn't look like this now.

Feet haven’t really touched the ground since I got back – I couldn’t wait to see Max, my little boy who turns one at the end of the month and who has just started taking his first steps. I was also keen to get back on the table and try and sharpen up in preperation for the World Open.

Arrived in Glasgow on Friday afternoon and went to check out the venue.  Really like the look of the set and the tables seem to be playing fantastic – so different to China and now I cant wait to get out there and get this show on the road! Must confess that I dont know a lot about my first round opponent – cant even pronounce his name! – but speaking to Marco in the practice area tonight he says he believes he is quite an attacking player and is a handy player.  No game here is going to be easy this week – especially when there is also the small matter of 100 bags of sand to play for.

Bumped into JV and Dennis Taylor in the bar at the hotel while I was having a cheeky beer with my mate and they informed me it was Ken Doherty’s birthday today and they were all going out for dinner.  We were invited along and thought we would tag along until they said where they were going – for a Chinese!! – we passed! Much as I like a nice Chinese I think I’d seen enough rice and noodles recently and a good old English steak for dinner tonight seemed to be more the order of the day…

Cleared for take-off so I’ll say goodbye for now…

Enjoy the tournament!
The Captain