This was a tough ball. Under pressure at the very end of the frame, and the white landed near on the cushion. Any pot is tough under a bit of tension in the arm but this was an extremely nerve-wracking shot given the circumstances of the frame and what it meant to me to get it.

Throughout the doubles, my team mate and myself played some great snooker to get to the finals, so it was a real relief to get through this match, and get the final match which will be soon.

The basics always win – as said by BRIAN COX – a top coach – and that line has always resonated with me even under pressure AND even if you don’t get the result.

One of the morals of this story is simple.

I would rather have gone out to missing a tough pot, than fluffing a safety shot on the final black and then leaving the opponent, a tap in or potentially more straightforward shot to win the frame. Even though every shot is a pressure ball at the end.

That means keeping your head still. Delivering the cue through and having a nice pause and watching the ball to see where it goes.

With a half-decent technique and composure it stands you in good stead – even when you’re not playing well in matches.

However, I have played consistently in the league this season and also very consistently in the Doubles as well.

Sometimes, it happens, sometimes it doesn’t. That’s snooker.

Every match is a learning experience, regardless of the result.

Well done to everyone at Oxshott who has been competing in this Doubles event. It’s a great event. Enjoyable and a bit of learning in between.

Can’t wait for the final…