Nigel Bond Q&A

Nigel Bond rolled back the years in Hyderabad at the Indian Open, to reach his first ranking event semi-final in 14 years.

On his return we caught up with him to discuss his goals for the rest of the season and his recent coaching work in Sheffield.

Nigel, congratulations on a great run in India. How much of a buzz was it to be competing in the latter stages of a ranking event again?

“It’s been a long time since I’ve reached this stage of an event. Even now it feels great, as that’s what we all play for. To be involved in the one table set up is what every player dreams of and is a fantastic experience. I’m still dreaming of getting there
more often, even at 50!”

How much confidence does this run give you going forward?

“Well actually, my performance in the World Championship qualifiers gave me confidence going into this season. I played really well and was unfortunate to run into Ding Junhui, who went on to reach the final.

“This particular result has given me the confidence to crack on and see what I can do for the rest of the year.  Admittedly some of the top players weren’t in the event, but that gave other guys a chance to step forward. I’m really looking forward to the rest of the season.”

You’re involved in coaching at the recently formed Victoria’s Snooker Academy in Sheffield. Can you tell us a bit about your role and how it has helped your own game?

“I was really keen to go out to China and do some coaching. I had a word with an agent called Victoria Shi and she mentioned she was setting up her own academy to cater for all the Chinese and UK guys coming through.  I don’t know if the coaching itself has helped my game. However, as a professional you understand the mechanics of the sport and it is nice to pass that on. When you’re younger you tend to build your game naturally, but there is more to it than that. The natural way is obviously the right way, but there are things you can pick up on.

“It has been great to be able to practise with some of the young Chinese guys. There are a lot of really fantastic players and they have helped my game. To have somewhere like this to practise has given me that bit of sharpness and spark that you need.”

We’re seeing an increasing number of players performing well into their 40s and 50s. Alan McManus reached the semi-finals at the World Championship, as did Darren Morgan in Riga and yourself in India. Why do you think this is?

“The players that are doing well into their late 40s are the ones that still have the drive and still put the work in. There’s no reason you can’t carry on doing well in the game. I’ve found that since starting at the Snooker Academy in Sheffield, I’ve regained the hunger and passion to practise and got the enjoyment back. Alan McManus had been getting great results even before his run at the World Championship and it shows just what you can achieve.”

There’s also been a large number of first time winners in recent years. We saw two up and coming stars in Anthony McGill and Kyren Wilson in the final this week. Do you think that having more tournaments and flat draws gives younger players more of a chance to break through?

“On a law of averages, with so many ranking events, there are certainly more opportunities for young players to do well. I remember when it was the same faces week in, week out. It’s not that way anymore. The rankings are changing all of the time and more players have the chance to come through and perform.”