I'll get myself back into world's top 16, says Scots snooker ace Alan McManus

Nov 30 2008

SNOOKER star Alan McManus has vowed to catapult himself back in to the world's elite - thanks to his new cue.

The Glaswegian has slipped to No.37 in the rankings after a few disappointing seasons.

But he's adamant there is no shame in dropping down the pecking order because snooker is in the strongest shape it has ever been.

And McManus believes, with the help of the new cue, he can rejoin the likes of Ronnie O'Sullivan and fellow Scots Stephen Maguire, Stephen Hendry, John Higgins and Graeme Dott in the top 16.

Alan, who isn't guaranteed a place at next month's UK Masters, said: "Having to qualify is a different experience for me but it's not hard to take.

"If you look at the game now it's so difficult for everyone.

"A good example is Shaun Murphy who is in the top 16 and has played four tournaments but hasn't won a match.

"That gives you an idea of how strong the sport is. None of Shaun's defeats has been against top-16 players.

"That's the way snooker is now. There are big-name players who can't get a win.

"Probably, aside from O'Sullivan, all the top guys have struggled at some point.

"This is as strong as the game has ever been inmy career. The top players aren't getting any worse, it's just the others are getting better.

"And it will only continue to get stronger.

"There are just 96 players on the main tour now and if you're not top notch you won't get on it. There are no weak performers.

"I firmly believe in the next couple of years I can break back into the elite 16.

"The rankings are so fickle and guys are going up and down like yo-yos.

"A few good tournaments and you're right back up there so it's all about confidence.

"I'll play on for as long as I'm competitive. I enjoyed the summer when I started using a new cue and it has given me a fresh lease of life.

"I'm still enjoying the game and I'm in the club every day practising so I'm determined to keep going."

Away from the practice table McManus has been trying to help others master the sport he loves.

As well as some coaching at his local club in Glasgow he has made a new DVD - Absolute Snooker - with legend Jimmy White, giving expert hints on how to improve.

McManus believes it's vital up-and-coming players learn the basic techniques.

He said: "There have always been snooker coaches but it has been an underlying thing within the game, you never hear of them in public.

"Punters only see snooker on TV and the guys make it look easy don't they?

"It's 100 times harder than it looks and the sport is based around a technique.

"Without that basic technique you simply can't play it to any great standard.

"Hopefully the DVD will teach people that. I've always been considered a technical player because that was drummed into me as a kid.

"It's about teaching people the good habits. I'm coaching a wee guy now and he's a bit raw.

"If he listens he will improve but if he doesn't he won't. You have to work at the game, it doesn't happen overnight."