Gary Wilson thinks he’s finally sussed the secret to snooker success – and it doesn’t involve hypnotherapy.
The Tyneside Terror is gearing up to defend his Welsh Open crown when the tournament gets underway on February 10 having proved too strong for Martin O’Donnell in Llandudno last year – and triumphed in a sensational semi-final against Wizard of Wishaw John Higgins. Victory in Wales came just two months after Wilson had lifted the sport’s Scottish Open having for a second time – but this year glory has been harder to come by.
Wilson, 39, comes into the event on the back of a string of early tournament exits – but believes that binning off whacky ideas and concentrating on graft will bring him future success. Speaking to WST he said: “I have tried looking into the mental side, psychology, hypnotherapy, but I always felt I’m alright on that side, that’s not what the problem is.
“I am just working on the practice table and hoping something clicks, because it can change very quickly in this game. I am honest with myself and I know I am not the best player in the world, which means I have to work harder to compete with the best. I know I need to stop trying to emulate other players and the way they strike the ball, and to stop changing my cue action because those things can lead down a rabbit hole.
“For me the answer is keeping a level head and continue practising hard, and if I can find something that works then that will manifest itself in matches. I believe deep down I am good enough. I’m not one to spend time reflecting on winning tournaments because that can lead to complacency. In this game you can’t take anything for granted, you have to constantly keep proving yourself.”
And to get back to winning ways in Wales he believes he has to feel relaxed at the table. Wilson continued: “It was a great week, I felt very calm and relaxed. Beating John and making a 147 was obviously a highlight, that was the best match I played in the tournament. Going into the final I was determined not to let my guard down. That’s the attitude I have taken into the three finals I have won – to stay level headed and give it everything.”