Hicks regrets bust-up with Hann

Andy Hicks has had four days to reflect on his post-match bust-up with Quinten Hann at the Embassy World Championship that rocked the sport.

And if he could turn back time Hicks would not have become embroiled in a war of words with the volatile Aussie.

Hann goaded Hicks after his 10-4 defeat saying: “You are short and bald and you can have me outside whenever you want.”

But the Devon left-hander was not blameless, mocking Hann when he said: “That’s you out of the top 16 next season.”

However, as he looks forward to a second round meeting with Ronnie O’Sullivan this afternoon, Hicks admits: “We all make mistakes.

“It is very unusual for something like that to happen. It’s a game for gentlemen and that is the way it should be.

“There is a lot of pressure out there because there is so much at stake. And we all say and do things that we regret later.

“If somebody had sat me down for five minutes after the game and I had had time to think before I shook his hand, I would not have said anything.

“So, yes I do regret getting involved. I have been playing snooker for 14 years and nothing like that has happened before.

“And it won’t happen again in the future,” said the 1995 Crucible semi-finalist.

“But I was pleased I showed some fight and determination that has been missing from my game.

“If that match against Quinten had taken place a couple of years ago I might have given up.”

In fact, Hicks almost hung up his cue 18 months ago with his career at its lowest ebb.

“I had so many barren years that I thought about packing in. I just wanted to enjoy life again and be happy in myself.”

Hicks held no real hopes of playing in the final stages of this year’s championships. Indeed, he booked a wedding date for May 1 – the last day of the semi-finals.

However, the former Benson & Hedges Championship winner later had to cancel his big day due to his fiancée's ill health.

But the couple have now set another date next year while Hicks still hopes to be in contention for a place in the final.

If he is then green baize great Ray Reardon will be delighted. Hicks practised with the six-times world champion at his Torquay home before coming to the championships.

"Dracula" is now 71 but Hicks said: “He is still a very good player and has a wealth of knowledge.

“He told me that I am up here to do a job. And even if that means struggling in order to win, then so be it.”

O’Sullivan returns to the table just 24 hours after his 10-6 victory over Scot Stephen Maguire.

Indeed, Hicks and the Rocket will have played the first eight frames of their last 16 meeting before Steve Davis and Anthony Hamilton have completed their first round game.

Hicks has been reported for his confrontation with Hann while O’Sullivan is set to escape censure for his obscene, single finger salute during yesterday’s game.

The finger of blame was aimed at a centre pocket after the world number three missed a routine red.

“Let the authorities do what they want. I have got plenty of money if they fine me.”

O’Sullivan also conceded one frame with six reds left and only 31 points in arrears.

It is a big day for two Crucible old stagers, Davis and John Parrott.

Between them they have made 47 appearances at the Sheffield venue.

Six times winner Davis resumes against Hamilton tonight 5-4 down while that is the same deficit facing Parrott against Wembley Masters champion Paul Hunter.

Davis gave himself a great chance of reaching the last 16 when the odds looked stacked against him.

From 5-2 down he knocked in breaks of 127 and 119 as Hamilton did not pot a ball in reply.

Had the 46-year-old Essex stalwart sank the last black in frame eight he would have overtaken Hunter’s 132 as the highest of the championships.

Parrott, champion in 1991, was 4-3 in front before the Yorkshire glamour boy’s century. And a 55 from Hunter enabled him to gain his one frame overnight cushion.

Mark Williams, the defending champion, is also in action on day six having spent the last five days at home with fiancée Jo Dent and new baby Connor.

Williams, who became a dad for the first time 24 hours before the event started, plays the first eight frames against Joe Perry this evening.