 I'll be having a drink and having a party Hunter on Superstars 'training' |
Snooker sensation Paul Hunter is out to prove his superstar status on two fronts.
The 24-year-old from Leeds has his sights on the world championship, before jetting out to compete in a new series of the BBC's Superstars show.
At the Crucible in Sheffield, he wants to lay his world championship hoodoo to rest.
In 2002, Hunter suffered a first-round exit when going down to Australian Quinten Hann in a tense encounter
"I was gutted," the world number nine told this website. "I've only won one match there, and I've played there four times.
"But if I can get to the quarter-finals, I will feel involved. I'm looking forward to it and can't wait to walk through those curtains."
HUNTER AT SHEFFIELD 2002: R1 9-10 Q Hann 2001: R2 5-13 S Hendry 2000: R1 6-10 J Swail 1999: R1 8-10 S Hendry |
Hunter's form this season offers hope he can go a lot further this time. He won the British Open title and has made the latter stages of several ranking events. "I think I can win any tournament I play in, as long as I prepare right," he said.
Hunter has a tricky draw, playing Ali Carter in the first round for the right to meet either Matthew Stevens or Chris Small.
"Ali is one of the toughest qualifiers I could have drawn," admitted Hunter.
"It's his first time there, so he will be feeling the nerves a bit, although the only time we've met, he won 5-3. He really is a top-16 player."
After Sheffield, Hunter's attentions will turn to Spain, where he is snooker's sole representative in a new run of Superstars.
The original programme, which ran from 1974 to 1985, saw magic moments such as judo star Brian Jacks excelling in the gym and Kevin Keegan crashing his bike at high speed.
And it took some persuading for Hunter to enter the contest which has disciplines ranging from sprinting to swimming.
"I really didn't fancy doing it. I'm not a fitness person and snooker is not a physical sport," said Hunter.
"I was pretty scared actually, but it should be a good laugh in the south of Spain, there's lots of sports and I changed my mind.
"I'm only 24, so I don't remember Superstars, but I'm told everyone wanted to be on it so I'm quite privileged to be asked.
"It doesn't matter if you come last in every event, it's just a bit of fun.
"I'm looking forward to it - they should be a good few days away."
Competitors take part in eight of 10 disciplines, with Hunter rejecting the gym tests (parallel bar dips plus squat thrusts) and swimming. That leaves him with target golf, mountain biking, kayaking, football, tennis, archery, the 100m and 800m.
The golf and football, including a one-on-one against goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, appeal to him most.
But it seems doubtful Hunter, who famously won the B&H Masters after enjoying a sex session with his girlfriend during the interval, will step up his exercise routine.
The three or four hours he spends on weekdays practicing at the table will be enough training.
I'm enjoying the game and I'm enjoying it away from the table Happy Hunter stays positive |
He appears to favour the same Superstars tactics as former F1 ace James Hunt and soccer's Stan Bowles, who took part in the 1970s after a late night. While Hunt hit top gear, Bowles hit a table rather than the target during a shooting competition.
The story has clearly been relayed to Hunter, a man from the same mould who admits to earning his playboy reputation.
"I'm a normal 24-year-old lad who likes to have fun," said the two-time B&H champion.
"I'm going to enjoy myself out there - I'll be having a drink and having a party."
He is enjoying life in general with the approach of Sheffield, and the prospect of a final showdown with Ronnie O'Sullivan should they both progress.
If Hunter were to win that, then he really would be a superstar.
MMIX
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