Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.John Parrott is delighted to show that he can still shine on the big stage as he made his way into the last eight of the UK Championship in York on Monday night.
John Parrott is delighted to show that he can still shine on the big stage as he made his way into the last eight of the UK Championship in York on Monday night.
Parrott, who won the world title in 1991, has spent a few years in the doldrums when his enthusiasm for the game dwindled. Parrott's ranking slipped to a level where he was in danger of having to make regular visits to the Pontin's holiday complex in Prestatyn to try and qualify for the major events.
But that prospect looks increasingly remote with every match he wins in York and the 40-year-old Merseysider will fancy his chances of going further when he meets Alan McManus or Mark King for a semi-final spot.
"I was worried I was going to be a 'cubicle' player," said Parrott, referring to the booths used when several tables are erected at a venue. "But I've gone back to playing how I used to when I was a junior. I had a great result against James Wattana in the first round here and I'm feeling comfortable again."
Parrott was a rank outsider when the event began, but with all the world's top eight out of the way following Peter Ebdon's 9-8 defeat to Stephen Lee, a surprise champion will be crowned on Sunday. "It's just the old football cliché with me - one match at a time," said Parrott, who beat Ricky Walden, conqueror of John Higgins, to reach the quarter-finals. "Whether I play Mark King or Alan McManus in the next round they are both seasoned competitors, so it won't be easy.
"Everyone still in the tournament will be thinking there's no reason why they can't go on and win it. The young lads coming through are hungry and the gap between them and the players at the top of the game is not that big any more."
One of those emerging stars is Ali Carter, who ended the challenge of the highest remaining seed, Paul Hunter, with a dramatic last-gasp 9-8 success. But, like Parrott, the 25-year-old from Essex is refusing to look beyond his next opponent. "I'm not thinking about the final," insisted the world number 19 who will meet new favourite Stephen Maguire or Steve Davis next.
World Championship runner-up Graeme Dott is the highest-ranked player left who has yet to capture a tour title. "With the top eight out it is an opportunity for someone," said the 27-year-old Glaswegian. "There are a lot of hard matches to go yet, but I'm looking forward to playing David Gray or Barry Hawkins."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments