The former Shoot Out champion had that sinking feeling at last week's WPBSA Golf Day, but is now back on firm ground and looking to climb into the top 16 in time for the Masters...
Chris, what happened at the golf day?
On the first hole, I hit my ball into a muddy pond. One of my playing partners also hit his ball there, it looked like the mud was solid so he walked in and played his shot. I went a bit further towards the middle of the pond and suddenly I was knee deep. For a few seconds I was genuinely fearing for my life, there was a moment when it went from being funny to thinking I might drown, it felt like I was in quicksand. Two of the lads dragged me out. I was covered in mud and my feet were soaking wet for the rest of the round. But it was still a brilliant day.
Turning to snooker, how do you feel about your start to the season?
I was delighted to win all three matches in the qualifying events in Leicester. My best performance was against Rory Thor in the Xi'an Grand Prix qualifier, it was a really high quality game. I had back to back centuries to go 2-1 up and an 87 in the decider to win 5-4. Two or three years ago I would have felt pressure in the last frame, but the way things have gone for me in the last couple of seasons, I have belief in myself in those moments. I had one chance and made the most of it. I felt for Rory because he is a really fantastic player and I hope he has a good season, but in this game you have to kill or be killed. And what a place Xi'an will be, it would be amazing to see the Terracotta Army if I get the chance. This summer I have been practising very hard. Things are good off the table, I've just bought my first house in Rugby with my girlfriend Lucy and we are settled in now.
Last year you reached the BetVictor Northern Ireland Open final in Belfast and you're up to 24th in the world, how would you sum up last season?
The previous season I won the Shoot Out and made leaps forward in my career. So to eclipse that in terms of ranking points in 2023/24 was another big step. I'm moving in the right direction and I want to do better again this season. I'm not far off the top 16. I had a look at the Race to the Masters and I'm 19th at the moment. There are some huge tournaments before then so I'll need a lot of results to make that jump. But I'm confident in my game, I've never been in a stronger place and I'm excited about the challenge.
Finally, are you still taking part in ballroom dancing?
I haven't danced for almost a year because of how busy the tour is. However I recently lost a bet to Kyren Wilson and Stuart Bingham and my forfeit is that I have to do a dance on TikTok, so look out for that!