December 3rd 2024.
Anthony Hamilton has fond memories of working with the late Terry Griffiths, whom he described as 'the best guy in snooker.' The former world champion passed away at the age of 77 after a long battle with dementia. Since the news of his passing, there has been an outpouring of warm memories and tributes for the highly respected figure in the snooker world.
Griffiths was not only a successful player, having won the World Championship, Masters, and UK Championship, but he also became one of the most revered coaches in the sport. Hamilton had the privilege of working with him and he cherished every moment they spent together. "It's really sad news," Hamilton shared with Metro. "I haven't been on social media because I don't think I could put into words what a sound geezer he was. He was the best guy in snooker, I think."
According to Hamilton, Griffiths was not only a genuine and kind person, but also an amazing coach and a funny individual. "He was the most genuine guy, the best coach, and the funniest geezer you'll meet in your life," Hamilton reminisced. "It's a real loss, a massive loss. Just the best guy."
Griffiths was not only respected by players, but he was also a trusted mentor. "Someone who all the players could go to if they really needed someone's advice," Hamilton added. "He coached me for a few years and he was genuinely in your corner, like your dad would be. He was that into it, which meant the world for the players. It's nice when they're feeling every shot like you are. All the players really appreciated Terry and he'll be missed because there's never going to be another Terry Griffiths in the world."
Hamilton also shared his personal experience working with Griffiths, who played a major role in reviving his career. "He got me back in the top 16 when I'd been in the wilderness for a couple of years," Hamilton said gratefully. "He'd looked at the rankings, I think I was in the 40s, and he said to me, 'What the f**k are you doing in the 40s?' We did some proper work at his club in Llanelli, massive full working days with him, working out how to start winning again. He got me back in the 16 and I can't thank him enough."
For Hamilton, Griffiths was not only a coach but also a source of wisdom that he continues to use in his game. "I'm still using most of his words of wisdom to this day and I'll pass them on myself," he said. "There's not many Griffiths around that can put into words what you are feeling. The best guy."
The passing of Griffiths has left a void in the snooker community, with many paying tributes to the great coach and player. Hamilton, who had overlapping playing careers with Griffiths, regrets not being able to compete against him in a tournament. "It would have been great to play the Griff," Hamilton said. "I'm not sure I'd have enjoyed it because he was granite, but it would have been an honour."
According to Hamilton, Griffiths was a highly skilled player, who won multiple titles and worked tirelessly to improve his game. "I think he was a much better player than people give him credit for," Hamilton stated. "He won the lot and worked it all out for himself back in the day when there were no real coaches. People are a bit dismissive of players from the 70s and 80s, but if the main ones were around now they would be at the top of the game. They'd work it out, [Ray] Reardon and Griff and players like that."
Hamilton, who has been a professional snooker player since 1991, is currently ranked #64 in the world. He is close to the cut-off point and is facing the possibility of dropping off the tour if he doesn't improve his ranking. However, he is prepared for whatever the future holds. "I'm happy enough either way, to be honest," Hamilton said. "I can carry on playing another year or two if possible, but if I come off then that's the start of the next chapter of coaching. I'm ready for it, I think."
Hamilton acknowledges the pressure of staying on tour, especially when hovering around the 60s in the rankings. He would consider playing in Q School to regain his spot on the tour, but if he doesn't make it, he is ready to transition into coaching full-time. "It will be a shock to the system after 30-odd years, not having that routine anymore, but I would be ready because I'm not really enjoying the snooker I'm playing these days, it's a bit turgid," Hamilton shared. "I'm trying my hardest to stay on tour but if I drop off it will be a shock for a month or two and then I'll just get on with trying to help players out."
Despite his struggles on the tour, Hamilton still has a deep love for the sport and enjoys watching young talent emerge. One of those players is 20-year-old Antoni Kowalski, whom Hamilton recently faced in the UK Championship. "He's a very good player, good prospect," Hamilton praised. "Kowalski, [Bulcsu] Revesz, and [Artemijs] Zizins are all well good enough to have a career, from what I've seen."
As a seasoned player, Hamilton is intrigued by the unique styles of foreign players and believes it adds excitement to the game. "It's nice to have a few Europeans on tour," he said. "It's interesting to play some of the foreign players because you're not used to their style. They'll play shots you don't expect. There's no right or wrong, they're just a little bit different. It's good for the game. Some of the shots they play break some of the rules that we think have been in place and are maybe a bit too hard and fast."
Hamilton is currently competing in the Shoot Out, but he has mixed feelings about the event being a ranking tournament. "I'd be a fan if it wasn't ranking," he confessed. "You watch it now and it's not like the original Shoot Out. A lot of the frames are pure tactical because it means a lot to the players. It's moved away from why it was created, I think, just for a bit of attacking snooker and a laugh. It's deadly serious now. Take the ranking points off and it'll be great again."
Despite the opportunities that the Shoot Out presents for players to improve their rankings, Hamilton believes it's unfair that a good run in the event could knock someone else out of the top 64. "If you drop off because of a bad season or two then you can take it on the chin, but I don't really agree with someone getting to the final of this and knocking you out of the 64. It's a little bit daft," Hamilton explained.
In the end, Hamilton is grateful for the time he has spent as a professional snooker player and although his career may be coming to an end, he still has a love for the game and is excited to see young talent emerging. "I'm loving seeing young players coming through. Si Jiahui, Wu Yize, they're fearless," Hamilton shared. "It's been an amazing journey, but I'm ready for whatever comes next."
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