November 28th 2024.
Michael Holt is on the rise again in the world of snooker. After taking a break from the professional game, he is now back in the spotlight and thriving. Currently in the last 16 of the UK Championship, Holt has his sights set on going even further in the tournament.
In 2022, Holt dropped off the World Snooker Tour, but his passion for the game never faded. He made a triumphant return to the pro ranks after a series of impressive performances on the amateur circuit. Though his comeback had been steady but not necessarily remarkable, he has kicked it up a notch at the UK Championship. He won four qualifying matches to secure a spot in York and then dominated his first round match against world number 10 Gary Wilson with a score of 6-1 at the Barbican.
Holt has been a part of the tour for over twenty years, so he is no stranger to the biggest stages in the sport. However, it was a special feeling to be back out there in front of a packed crowd. "It's the first time I've been in that big arena for two or three years and I felt fairly calm considering," Holt shared with Metro. "Towards the end, I missed a few chances, but I didn't feel defeated. I had to forgive myself. It's tough out there against a great player. I'm over the moon."
The 46-year-old is currently ranked 98 in the world, but he is determined to continue climbing the ranks. His time away from the main tour gave him a new perspective, and now he is back with a renewed focus on not only winning but also enjoying his matches. In the past, the pressure of performing well on the big stage has weighed heavily on him, and he struggled to replicate his practice table form. However, he is learning to accept that this is a common struggle for all players.
"I want to try and enjoy the pressure more," Holt explained. "I've not enjoyed the battle. Mainly because I feel like I'm battling with not being able to play as I can. I've still nowhere near showed it. But that battle has always been annoying and frustrating. I have to accept it's there, and I have to get over it by winning matches. I've never thought I'm a tortured genius. I know I'm doing what most players do. I don't think I'm on my own."
Holt believes that the key to success in snooker is being able to play freely, without overthinking or fearing mistakes. He admires how the top players can "take the shackles off" and ride the wave of their talent. This is something he hopes to achieve more consistently.
"Sometimes the top players can take the shackles off," he said. "I'm not in awe of what they're doing. I watch them, and I can do what they're doing, but they can just set their sails up and ride that wind. That's what you've got to do, that's the key to success and the goal."
In the last 16 of the UK Championship, Holt will face off against Jak Jones, who also qualified for the tournament. They have played against each other twice before, with each of them securing a victory. However, Holt believes that their past meetings are irrelevant, and he is solely focused on his own performance.
"I think I have played him before, but it's another day," he said. "It doesn't matter whether I won or lost. He can pot balls if I let him. I've just got to focus on me. If I play well, I can win. For all my weaknesses as a player, playing top players has never really bothered me. You're in for a tough game, but pot the balls when you get a chance, and you'll be alright."
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