World number 20 Chris Wakelin says that becoming a father has released the on-table pressure after beating Xing Zihao 10-5 to earn his place in the final round of Halo World Championship Qualifying.
Wakelin’s baby daughter was born prematurely in January, but thankfully she is now doing well and her health has stabilised.
The experience over the last few months for Wakelin has placed snooker in perspective. He admits that the pressure he once felt at events such as Crucible qualifying has now dissipated.
Tonight’s encounter was finely poised at 5-5, until Wakelin blitzed for the line. Breaks of 62, 66 and 68 helped him to five on the bounce and victory. He now faces Martin O’Donnell, who beat Jordan Brown 10-8 with the clock just past 1am.
An appearance at the Crucible would cap off what has been an amazing campaign for Wakelin. He was runner-up to Ding Junhui at the International Championship and then went on to qualify for the Masters for the first time in January.
However, the Englishman says that irrespective of what happens on Judgement Day, he will be delighted with his season.
“It will be an amazing season regardless of what happens this week. I have missed out narrowly in the last couple of years and it would be a shame to not cap off the season. I am delighted with that win because he is a good player,” said 33-year-old Wakelin.
“The bottom line is that if I don’t get through, then I don’t really care. I’ve not had the best few months. I’ve had a nervous start to becoming a dad. The results over the last couple of months haven’t gone my way, but I’m aware the reason for that is I have a family now.
“It is absolutely magic being a dad. I never wanted children until I found out Lucy was pregnant. As much as it was scary when she was born prematurely, I am really grateful to all the people who have reached out to me. We are through the worst of it now, she is coming up to four months old and I’m looking forward to the future.
“I want to win, but if I lose I can say to myself that I can win the next tournament and I go home to a loving and beautiful partner and a little baby girl who is doing amazingly. The results aren’t as important anymore. I’ll try my absolute best, but the reality is I’m very lucky in my life with the people around me.”
Zhao Xintong is just one win away from a Crucible return after defeating Chinese compatriot Lyu Haotian 10-4.
Former UK Champion Zhao will regain his professional status next season after returning from suspension and playing on the amateur Q Tour this term. Victory in four of the seven events saw Zhao comfortably top the standings and earn a tour card.
The hugely talented 28-year-old crafted runs of 90, 137, 59 and 116 in the last five frames to seal victory. He now plays Elliot Slessor, who defeated Marco Fu 10-6.
Ben Woollaston and Mark Davis battled it down to the final black, but after a 58-minute decider, it was Woollaston who prevailed 10-9. He moves on to face Ross Muir in the final round. Muir is gunning for a Crucible debut and defeated Tom Ford 10-7.