Snooker News: Anthony Hamilton Opens Up on Potential Retirement and Future Plans
Veteran snooker player Anthony Hamilton, known for his impressive career and past training sessions with Ronnie O’Sullivan, has recently spoken about the conditions under which he would consider retiring. The 53-year-old, who has been competing professionally for over three decades, hinted that failing to qualify for the World Snooker Championship could mark the end of his playing career.
Hamilton, currently ranked 63rd, is in a precarious position as he risks dropping out of the top 64 in the world rankings. This drop could significantly impact his ability to compete at the highest level. Speaking candidly about his future, Hamilton admitted, “I haven’t made any decisions, but more than likely, if I didn’t qualify, then I would retire.”
While he has not officially declared his retirement, he suggested that there is a 90% chance he will step away from competitive snooker if he fails to secure a place at the Crucible this year. However, Hamilton is not planning to leave the sport entirely. Instead, he has expressed a strong interest in coaching, a field he believes he could contribute to significantly.
A Resilient Career Despite Challenges
Hamilton’s career has been one of perseverance and resilience. Despite struggling with injuries—including a wrist injury sustained while preventing a mugging—and vision problems caused by unsuccessful laser-eye surgery, he has managed to remain competitive. His greatest professional achievement came in 2017 when he won the German Masters, marking a well-deserved ranking title after years of dedication.
In addition to his ranking title, Hamilton has also reached the World Championship quarter-finals on multiple occasions, proving his ability to compete at the highest level. Throughout his career, he has gained immense respect from fellow players, including Ronnie O’Sullivan, who has often praised Hamilton’s talent and ability. O’Sullivan once described him as “phenomenal in practice,” acknowledging that his raw skill and snooker intelligence were often better than his tournament record suggested.
What’s Next for Hamilton?
While retirement is not yet confirmed, Hamilton is preparing himself for life after professional play. He believes coaching is a natural transition and sees it as an opportunity to give back to the sport. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the game, he hopes to help younger players develop their skills and navigate the challenges of a professional snooker career.
For now, Hamilton remains focused on competing, but his future in snooker—whether as a player or a mentor—will undoubtedly continue to influence the sport he has dedic
ated his life to.
