Chalking up scalps

Andrew Gibson • Published 25 Aug 2010 14:00

A TEENAGE snooker sensation has fulfilled a lifetime ambition by taking the scalp of his boyhood hero Stephen Hendry in an astonishing 4-0 victory.

Anthony McGill, 19, defeated the seven-time World Champion, and record holder of the most ranking titles, at the Players Tour Championship in Sheffield, just two months after turning professional.

He has added Hendry’s scalp to a growing list of top players he has beaten, including world sixth ranked Stephen Maguire.

Anthony, known as the Tartan Nugget, hones his promising talent at the Lucky Break snooker club on Dumbarton Road, Clydebank, under the experienced management of the club’s owner John Rea.

A delighted Anthony spoke to the Post during a practice session at Lucky Break after defeating arguably the greatest snooker player of all time.

He said: “When I first got into snooker he was the World Champion. I didn’t see much of his heyday but growing up I knew about him and he has always been one of the best players in the world. To play him and beat him was a dream.

“At the start of the match it felt strange to see my name on the score board next to his, but when the balls broke I just got on with it.

“I definitely thought I could beat him - I probably wouldn’t have expected a 4-0.

“I wasn’t scared or anything.”

The confident teenager, who has won an array of Scottish junior titles at all age levels, is delighted with the start he has made to his young career.

He added: “It is fantastic at the tournaments - I was maybe a little unsure at first about how I would adapt to it.

“But straight away I’m playing well and I’m pleased how I have started - it is showing me I can do it.

“The Lucky Break is a great practice base for me - there is a great atmosphere.”

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This article appeared in Clydebank Post 25 Aug 10

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