Snooker favourite ready to quit despite Crucible qualifying epic – ‘I’m f***ing rubbish’

Anthony Hamilton has hinted that retirement is on the horizon after almost throwing away nine-frame lead in race to 10 against Steven Hallworth during World Championship qualifiers

Snooker favourite Anthony Hamilton has suggested he is ready to quit the sport after almost throwing away a nine-frame lead in his race to 10 over Steven Hallworth in World Championship qualifiers.

Veteran Hamilton, 52, had won the opening nine frames but said his sight was weakening as he lost eight on the spin to set up a tense ending.

He is clinging on to his Tour card and had previously hinted at returning to Q School next season in an attempt to win it back should he fail to gather enough ranking points this month.

And despite progressing in the road to Crucible qualifiers, Hamilton said: “At 9-8, 9-7, I’m coming to the end of my career anyway and I was like, you know what, I’m alright with it.

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“I’m gone. I can’t see anything. I’m at like 20 per cent. 40 seconds a shot and all that business. I don’t know why I’m still playing. It’s just what we do. I just didn’t want to lose. It’s about time I got on with the rest of my life. I’m f**king rubbish.

“I used to be at a good standard. Now I’m scratting around. Just retire for God’s sake. You’re 53. Stop bleating on. Get out of here.

“I’ve not enjoyed one match since 2020. I haven’t played well once since 2020, with the eyes. I’ve won matches, but I haven’t played well once. I play well considering, but it’s no fun. It is better than work though.”

Hamilton then credited Hallworth for how he battled back to almost steal an incredible win. “That was as hard as trying to get over the line in a ranking final,” he said. “It’s a story that would follow you round for the rest of your life. If you lose from 9-0 you’re on quizzes and stuff. You don’t want that.

“Fair play to him he played great. He didn’t chuck the toys out the pram and he made me go through that. Fair play to Steven. Top lad.”

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