Zak Surety's Breakthrough in Wuhan

Zak Surety, the 33-year-old snooker professional from Essex, reached his first major semi-final at the Wuhan World Open in February 2025. Despite a heartbreaking 6-5 loss to eventual champion John Higgins, this performance marked a significant milestone in Surety's career, showing his potential to compete at the highest level.

Battling the Inner Demons

Snooker is as much a mental game as it is about skill, and Surety has openly discussed his struggles with anxiety:

• The Wuhan Experience: "Although it was the most positive, brilliant week I've ever had on a snooker table, I'm now full of negativity from it really because of what could have been," Surety told BBC Essex.
• Turning Point: At 5-3 up against Higgins, he admitted: "I thought 'I might never get this opportunity again' - and it's the wrong way of thinking."
• Daily Struggles: "It's still fighting that voice in your head," he says about tournament play, despite rigorous daily practice and off-table happiness.

The Road to The Crucible

Currently ranked 73rd in the world, Surety is focused on his next challenge:

• World Championship Qualifiers: Beginning April 7, with main event running April 19-May 5 at snooker's iconic venue
• Crucible Dreams: "I would take minimal money just to walk out and play snooker there," says Surety, who has never played at the historic Sheffield theater
• Preparation: Maintains strict routine of practice and running to manage both physical and mental aspects of the game

Celebrity Status Abroad

The World Open brought unexpected fame:

• Signed autographs and arena walls in China
• Still adjusting to recognition: "I got recognised in a KFC...it was all alien to me"
• Enjoys fan interactions despite the pressure they add to competition

Looking Ahead

Surety's journey represents both the challenges and rewards of professional snooker. As he prepares for the World Championship qualifiers, his story continues to inspire players facing similar mental battles in elite sports. The Crucible dream remains alive for this determined left-hander seeking his place among snooker's elite.