I love life.

I play poker face to face.

I don't drink. Don't smoke.

I play golf but very badly.

Talent, it can become a trap.

I never abused anybody but myself.

I have always loved playing snooker.

Snooker lifted me out of depression.

Do I have any regrets about my life? No.

We earned any fans with the way we play.

Certain styles of play take a bit longer.

I think I should win every tournament I enter.

I was never a playboy but I was an out and about boy.

Ronnie Wood's my good mate, I'm godfather to his twins.

It sounds strange to be world champion at the Crucible.

I like visiting new places where the game is opening up.

I learnt the game as a kid hustling car dealers for cash.

Snooker still fascinates me and I still get a buzz from it.

I'm such an addictive personality that I can say yes or no.

The Queen is a true professional and calmly pinned my MBE on.

I have been tamed. My party days are well and truly behind me.

The thought of the weekends I used to have now makes me shake.

It meant so much to me lifting the Alex Higgins Trophy at Goffs.

I was introduced to the game by my father, Tommy, when I was 11.

I have no regrets, I've had a fantastic life, travelled the world.

I used to think of exhibitions as being practice but they are not.

My dad was a coalman and was always playing snooker with his mates.

We play Snooker Legends exhibitions and there is never a spare ticket.

Some people take the view that I'm too laid back. Yet it's how I feel.

People appreciate anyone who takes chances - they like a bit of flair.

First thing about snooker, find a cue you're happy with. Then stick with it.

In the past it sometimes took me two or three rounds to get the adrenaline rush.

One of my great heroes was my brother. You couldn't have dreamt of a better one.

I love playing in Ireland and I've had great support here, like I get everywhere.

I've played 8-ball in Hong Kong and I'm more knowledgeable with that than 9-ball.

Ding has a fantastic all-round game. His temperament is also at a very high level.

I've been gambling since the age of 12. Horses, dogs, dice, roulette, you name it.

I would have prepared differently before big matches but I wouldn't change my life.

I like the hypnosis. Nothing too deep - just enough to keep me clearer and more focused.

In a way, sometimes I was quite pleased when I got beat, 'cos then I could do my antics.

To be honest, most of my troubles - bankruptcy, drinking, gambling - were self-inflicted.

The people in China love their snooker. We get a fantastic reception when we go over there.

If I didn't think I could win the World Championship I would go and play golf badly in Spain.

Over the years I have been in a lot of trouble but I've always managed to switch off and play.

I'm a supporter of Barry Hearn, I voted for him and will support him in whatever he wants to do.

I love playing O'Sullivan. It is a bit of a role reversal from when I used to play Alex Higgins.

Testicular cancer occurs in young men, just the people who don't bother much about their health.

I was a beat-the-system sort of player, but you can't beat the system, you have to prepare properly.

Alex Higgins was my hero, so to play in Belfast, at the superb Waterfront Hall, is very special to me.

I was a big fan of Naseem Hamed, and followed him. Ronnie O'Sullivan, Stephen Hendry and I know him well.

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