Playing at the Crucible is the ultimate goal for Sanderson Lam, who unfortunately missed out on this year’s World Snooker Championship.
Lam harboured hopes of making his debut in snooker’s biggest tournament this year before he was knocked out in the qualifying stages, losing 10-5 to Ryan Day. Despite the setback, ‘The Panda’ has enjoyed a good 12 months on tour, during which time he has broken into the top 60 in the world.
The 31-year-old had to earn his way back onto the World Snooker Tour (WST), having lost his tour card in 2019. He regained his full professional status in 2022 and has since kicked on, beginning to reach the latter stages of tour events.
“You want to get to the Crucible,” Sanderson told Fen Regis Trophies. “Hopefully, before it goes to Saudi…I want to walk down those steps.”
Getting the Love for the Game
Sanderson looks back fondly on memories of playing against his dad and brothers, growing up in Leeds. He credits that, as well as an early introduction to cue sports via pool, for fuelling his passion for snooker.
“We used to play across two tables,” he said. “Me and my other brother would play, and my eldest brother and dad would play, then the winner would play the winner and the loser would play the loser.
“I started to get the love of the game and began taking it more seriously.”
By age 12, Sanderson was entering competitions and taking on players from around the area. He admits he hated losing, and he still does, but that is something that has improved over the years.
“I entered local handicap competitions,” Sanderson said. “There was a competition every Sunday at the club.
“When you are young, it is a lot harder to take losses, but the more I grew up, the more I matured.”
Getting Back on Tour
The WST is ruthless, with players who fail to finish inside the top 64 after at least two years losing their tour card. Currently, Sanderson’s place on the tour is safe, but that was not the case in 2019.
Bills still have to be paid, which is why Sanderson picked up work behind the bar and began coaching snooker alongside working towards regaining his tour card. That was the Yorkshireman’s life for three years, during which time the world endured a global pandemic for good measure.
“I was playing in as many amateur competitions as I could to try and get my tour card back,” he said. “Doing that while working behind the bar at the club.”
Sanderson eventually got himself back on the professional circuit in 2022. He earned his card by winning the final round of Event 2 of Q School, defeating Joe Swail 4-2.
“I’m doing okay on the tour. For me, it’s good not to put so much pressure on yourself on the tour to get the income.
“I am building myself as a brand, doing the coaching alongside playing…when I first started, it wasn’t that big, but now it is really good and I’ve been getting a lot of customers.”
Crucible Goal
Though this was not to be Sanderson’s year to grace the famous old venue, playing at the Crucible in the World Snooker Championship remains his ultimate goal.
“Ever since I turned professional,” he said. “I have wanted to get to the Crucible…that’s my ultimate goal.
“Even if I were to drop off the tour, but still qualify for the Crucible, I would be over the moon because I am not getting any younger.
“I would love to play there before it moves.”
For now, Sanderson’s sights are set on readying himself for what he hopes will be another encouraging season vying for snooker trophies at the highest level.
“The standard is so high, it is so tough, but I would love to at least reach a first final…that would be delightful.”
By Aaron Gratton
