New dad Lines aiming high on and off the table
Leeds snooker ace Oliver Lines is determined to be a part of the sport’s biggest events in York and Sheffield this season after a recent victory over the world number one
Lines first turned pro in 2014 and has gradually made his way up the world rankings, currently standing 56th. He has shown his potential with victories over some of the biggest green baize giants but knows he needs more consistency to achieve his ultimate goals.
The 31-year-old beat top-ranked Zhao Xintong at the recent English Open and has also twice knocked Judd Trump out of major events. His best run in a ranking event took him to the semi-finals of the British Open two years ago.
“It’s about finding the consistency and confidence to perform at that level in every tournament,” he said. “And having things go your way. After I beat Zhao at the English, I played Yuan Sijun in the next round and actually played better in that match but he made a clearance in the last frame to beat me 4-3. If I’d won that game it could have been a big week for me. I’ve got a good run of tournaments coming up in the next few weeks so hopefully I can finish the year strongly.”
This season, Lines has enlisted the help of Anthony Hamilton, a former pro with vast experience, who is now coach and mentor to a handful of the best up-and-coming talents.
“When I work with Anthony, every day I am learning things about the game which I didn’t know before and hopefully that’s helping me improve. He makes things simple. I wanted someone who is similar to my dad in terms of having a lot of experience on the pro tour – but keeping my coach separate. I am really enjoying spending time with Anthony and that’s important.”
His dad Peter Lines played on the tour for nearly 30 seasons – and now there’s a new generation on the scene as Oliver and his fiancée Chloe welcomed their first child this week, a girl called Ava. “I have wanted to be a dad for years, it’s quite surreal now but I’m looking forward to the challenge, it means I’ll have to win more!” said Oliver.
Among his short terms goals is to make it through the qualifying rounds of the UK Championship and earn a place in the final stages at the York Barbican. “It’s my favourite venue, the setup there is brilliant,” said Lines. “Since it changed to just having two tables in the main arena, it’s so good. I think of it as my home tournament.”
The UK Championship runs from November 28 to December 6 with the top 16 seeds to be joined by 16 qualifiers to battle for the historic Triple Crown title at the event which was first staged in 1977.
Mark Selby won the title last year, beating Judd Trump in the final. Once again the field will be packed with snooker’s all-time greats. Tickets are still available from just £30 and there are also amazing VIP packages in the 1875 Club for a bucket-list experience. For all ticket details click here.
Later in the season, Lines will set his sights on the flagship event of snooker’s global calendar, the World Championship at the Crucible. He came closer than ever last season when he reached the final qualifying round before losing to Liam Highfield. He said: “I have some good runs in tournaments, but I would swap them all to qualify for the Crucible.”