November 25th 2024.
Stephen Maguire has a deep-seated belief that he could have achieved so much more in his career. He reflects on the number of tales and anecdotes he has accumulated over the years, rather than the number of titles he has won. The UK Championship, which he won 20 years ago in York, was a defining moment in his journey to becoming one of the top players in the sport. However, it seems like a distant memory to him, as he struggles to recall the matches and moments that led to his victory.
When asked about his triumph, Maguire admits that he doesn't dwell on it and can't even remember the details of his success. It's a bittersweet feeling for him, as he wishes he could draw upon those memories to inspire and motivate himself. But sadly, they seem to have faded away from his mind. He has six ranking titles to his name, but has not been able to add any more prestigious Triple Crowns to his CV. This is despite the early promise he showed, with Ronnie O'Sullivan even tipping him to dominate the game for a decade.
However, when asked if he is satisfied with his achievements since his UK glory, Maguire's answer is a resounding no. He believes that he has not had a good career and has not won as much as he should have. He takes responsibility for this, acknowledging that he may have let some tournaments slip away due to his own choices. It's a regret that he carries with him, and he is not afraid to admit it.
Maguire feels that it's not just titles that make a player's career memorable, but also the stories and experiences they have accumulated along the way. He shares a sentiment with fellow player Matthew Stevens, who also has his fair share of tales to tell. However, Maguire wonders if perhaps it would have been better to have more titles and fewer stories. He reflects on his career and admits that he should have been more focused and committed during a seven or eight year period, starting from 2005. But he doesn't dwell on the past, choosing to focus on the present and future.
At 40 years old, Maguire still feels that he has a lot to offer in the game of snooker. He proved this earlier this year by reaching the quarter-final of the World Championship and has now qualified for the UK Championship. He is excited to face Kyren Wilson in the first round and is inspired by the recent success of Mark Williams, who won a title at the age of 49. Maguire holds players like Williams, Ronnie O'Sullivan, and John Higgins in high regard, and acknowledges their exceptional talent.
As he prepares for the UK Championship, Maguire has been working with coach Chris Small, a former professional player. This shows that he still has the hunger and drive to improve and return to winning ways. He admits that he still hates losing, and it's this feeling that motivates him to keep pushing forward. For Maguire, the pain of defeat is just as strong now as it was 20 years ago when he first lifted the UK Championship trophy.
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