Ladies and gentlemen, players, fans, and everyone who has supported me over the years,
Today, I stand before you with a heavy heart but also with a deep sense of gratitude and fulfillment. It’s with mixed emotions that I announce my retirement from professional snooker. After careful consideration and reflection on my career, I’ve decided that now is the time to step away from the sport that has been my passion for so long.
Looking back on my journey, it feels almost surreal. From the early days, when I was just a kid with big dreams growing up in Leicester, to becoming a world champion and establishing myself as one of the game’s best, I’ve had the honor of experiencing so much. The moments, the victories, the challenges—everything has shaped me into the player I am today, and more importantly, the person I’ve become.
Snooker has given me a platform to achieve things I never thought possible. Winning multiple World Championships, becoming World Number One, and having the chance to compete against some of the greatest players in history, I can say with certainty that I’ve lived my dream. I owe it all to the people who believed in me from the beginning—my family, my friends, my coaches, and, of course, the amazing fans who have supported me through thick and thin. Your unwavering encouragement has meant the world to me.
There have been tough times, too—those moments when I doubted myself or faced adversity. But every challenge has taught me invaluable lessons. Snooker, more than anything, is a game of mental strength and resilience, and I’ve been lucky to experience both the highs and lows that come with it.
I want to take this opportunity to thank my fellow players. This sport is not just about individual success; it’s about the camaraderie we share, the respect we have for one another, and the legacy we’re all a part of. The friendships I’ve built over the years will stay with me long after I leave the table.
As I close this chapter, I am filled with immense pride. While I won’t be competing at the highest level anymore, snooker will always be a part of me. I’ll continue to follow the sport, cheer for my colleagues, and share my love for the game in new ways.
Thank you once again to everyone who has been part of my incredible journey. It’s been an unforgettable ride, and I will forever be grateful. Here’s to the future, to snooker, and to new beginnings.
Thank you.
