Terry’s All Gold For Improving Holt

Michael Holt

A 6-2 win over Chris Wakelin on Sunday, sealed with a break of 108 in the last frame, put Michael Holt into the last 32 of the Betway UK Championship (Josh Robinson writes).

It’s the eighth time in nine tournaments so far this season that the player nicknamed the Hitman has got to the last 32 stage.

The world number 26 is working with coach Terry Griffiths for the first time this season and is clearly benefiting from the wisdom passed on by the 1979 World Champion.

“He’s great fun to be around,” said 37-year-old Holt, who has won two PTC events but never reached a ranking final. “We’ve not really got anywhere yet, it’s only in the last 32. I can’t start thinking it’s worked too much. It’s a bit boring to say but if I keep doing the right things then it could work well.

“We’re working on a bit of everything, a bit of technical and a bit upstairs on the mental side. I think I’ve got the tools to do alright. If I can get that mix right and get things working better then who knows?

“The season’s been pretty solid. I’m winning some good matches and it’s taking people to play well to beat me. I keep losing to the winners of tournaments so I don’t know what that says. Maybe I should get the runner-up prize. When they beat me it gives them such a boost that they then can’t lose,” he joked. “Hopefully it’ll be my turn and I’ll be the winner of a tournament soon.”