By Elliott West
Introduction
The recent Q School has produced new hopes and shattered dreams. One such candidate is Sanderson Lam, who narrowly missed out on a place in next season’s tour and a professional status for two years. Edged out by Mitchel Mann by a single frame, he was just a whisker away and heaped more pain on a player who had already lost in the final round of event two, when Barry Pinches defeated him on the final pink.
New Hopes
Despite this anguish, the 27-year-old from Leeds remains hopeful after finishing first in the top-up list, meaning he can still play in all the professional and amateur competitions. Without the pressure of worrying about ranking points, Lam can now concentrate on his game and play his natural game without so much of the intense pressure that lays on the shoulders of a professional player.
Commenting on his recent participation in this year’s Q School, Sanderson remarked:
“It is so tough, both physically and mentally. Everyone is trying their heart out. There is so much intensity in every match. Each year Q School gets harder and harder. There are so many good players now. I knew I had to stay positive after losing that decider with Barry. I needed to perform in event three to be in the position I am in now. I picked myself up off the floor quickly. Every event is so tough, but you just have to keep on going and keep on battling.”
Sanderson Lam
Despite the challenges faced by Coronavirus and the fact that he is no longer a professional, Lam has kept his spirits up literally by working in the bar at the Northern Snooker Centre part-time, dividing his day between playing in the club all day and working behind the bar in the evening. He also struck gold when David Boyes, someone who plays in the club, gave him the keys to his snooker room in his house, giving him a ninth and a half to practice for Q School.
The Future
Despite his knocks, Sanderson remains in a positive mindset, drawing his inspiration from Jordan Brown’s sensational victory over Ronnie O’Sullivan in last season’s Welsh Open at his first attempt. Working with his coach, John Farnworth, Lam had regular telephone conversations with him, working through different mindset skills and had been very successful in removing the negativity from Sanderson’s mental state. Without negativity, comes positivity and this player can now cool down after a match, especially after losing a deciding frame. A partnership that works because they trust each other and are great friends on and off the table.
