Antoni Kowalski is enjoying a promising debut season on the World Snooker Tour, having climbed into the world's top 100. We caught up with the 21-year-old from Poland to reflect on his early days as a professional.
Antoni, how do you feel your first season is going so far?
I had a very slow start. But I am living my best life, this is my dream job. I just want to play better. I am not even close to my best snooker, I am patiently waiting for that.
But you have had some impressive results, have you taken encouragement from that?
I have won matches, but not playing fluently and making high breaks, which is what I love doing. I have won some scrappy games, and had some solid performances. I'm still adapting to the tables, that's a big factor.
So you want to play more like you did on the amateur scene?
I'm a naturally offensive player, so playing a lot of safety isn't my style.
Do you feel you have learned a lot already?
The pro tour is the elite. But I feel it's reachable. It's not mission impossible to get into the top 64, top 32 or win a tournament. I am looking forward to levelling up my game and playing with the big guns. I definitely feel I am good enough and I am not scared of anyone. I am confident. Once I get used to the tables and the conditions I will be ready.
This week you have been practising with Neil Robertson in Cambridge, how important is that kind of experience?
The biggest problem for overseas players is the lack of practice partners. In Poland I have no one to play with. I come to the UK as much as I can but it is expensive. This week I am playing with Neil for three days. It means a lot and it will really help me prepare, there are no better lessons than playing against a World Champion.
On a personal level, how tough has this season been for you, travelling back and forth to your home in Poland?
I've never had a life like this before. In the second half of 2024 I was only at home for one month. It's difficult, but you have to adapt. You have to try to deal with it, control your emotions and not miss your family too much.
What was your best moment so far on tour?
Probably beating Joe Perry 4-3 in the Scottish Open qualifiers because I won a very close deciding frame. Every win makes me proud because I am not playing anywhere near my best, but I can still win by fighting hard.
You are heading to Yushan for the Weide Cup World Open, how much are you looking forward to it?
It will be only my second time in China, after Wuhan which I loved. I can't wait to go back again.