Elliot Slessor secured a hard-fought victory over Kyren Wilson at the UK Championship, propelling him into the last 16. However, the win was quickly overshadowed by a simmering frustration with commentary surrounding the match.
Slessor’s 6-4 triumph wasn’t a display of effortless brilliance, but a testament to resilience in challenging conditions. Both players openly acknowledged the difficult table play in York, yet the narrative presented by one commentator struck a particularly sour note with the victor.
Responding to online discussion about the broadcast, Slessor didn’t hold back. He sarcastically noted the commentator’s apparent lack of preparation, claiming he hadn’t “given me a licking of a dog all night.” The focus, he felt, unfairly shifted from the struggle of the match to his own performance.
The core of Slessor’s discontent stemmed from a perceived dismissal of the challenging circumstances. He pointedly stated the commentator seemed to ignore the brutal conditions, instead choosing to criticize his play.
Slessor’s critique extended beyond the immediate match analysis. He suggested a pattern of limited attention from certain figures within the sport, implying recognition is often reserved for World Champions or Chinese players.
Prior to the match, the commentator in question, Stephen Hendry, admitted he hadn’t extensively followed Slessor’s career. He acknowledged hearing “good things,” but confessed to a lack of firsthand knowledge of the player’s game.
Despite the controversy, Slessor remains focused on the task ahead. He’ll face Barry Hawkins in the last 16, acknowledging his win against Wilson was a battle of attrition rather than a showcase of skill.
“Delighted to win,” Slessor stated, “It was a struggle, just hard work, just battled and stuck in there.” He emphasized his determination to secure victory, regardless of the aesthetic quality of his performance.
Slessor credits his coach, Chris Henry, with instilling a newfound mental fortitude. For two years, Henry has helped him navigate difficult matches, transforming a tendency to crumble under pressure into a determined fight for survival.
“It has made a massive difference, more in hanging in games,” Slessor explained. He admits to being self-critical when his game falters, but now possesses the resilience to persevere even when not playing at his best.
Hawkins himself acknowledged the challenging conditions, noting the worn cloth made the pockets unusually tight. He expressed relief at securing his own victory, recognizing the unpredictable nature of the tournament.
The UK Championship last 16 continues with a series of compelling matchups, including Ding Junhui versus Scott Donaldson and John Higgins against Shaun Murphy. Slessor’s clash with Hawkins promises to be a particularly intriguing contest.
