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Snooker player Joe O’Connor may thank his boxing training and business class flight for his surprise win against Judd Trump.
Trump's World Open title defence was ended in the last 32 when O'Connor made a surprise 5-2 win.
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The underdog recorded five half-centuries and hit 113 to knock out the world No 1.
He credited his plush flight to Hong Kong, as he said: “I flew business class out here. Logically, it makes sense.
“Good preparation leads to a good tournament and for this event it has so far.
“I feel really good. Any win over someone in Judd’s calibre makes you feel great.
“I took one shot at a time and was able to string something together.
“I feel fine in those pressure moments. I enjoy being out there against the best in the world.
The 29-year-old also revealed what Christmas activity helped him earn victory on Tuesday.
“I went skiing for the first time and that was enjoyable.
“The little break and reset helped and I have come back stronger. I probably needed it.
“I have just beaten Judd. So, why can’t I go and win it?
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“One of the hardest things at the top level of snooker is being able to sit down for a couple of frames, watch your opponent do their stuff, and then when you get a chance, you capitalise on it.
“That separates the best from the rest.”
A mindset he developed undergoing boxing and jiu-jitsu training at his local gym.
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Speaking about how combat sports help him improve at snooker, he said: “It's good to have that endurance and to be concentrated for a long time. The physical fitness helps with the mental side a lot.
“You have to be switched on. I think that combined with taking your mind off snooker. It’s a different way of thinking, it’s a different way of being sharp.
“Getting hit in the face is a good example. It gets you riled up and you want to get them back. Being able to be calm in that moment, controlled and not overly wild. You might get hit more. The best thing to do is make sure you don’t do it again.”
The pocket rocket recalled a match that went to midnight, and despite the long match time, O’Connor knew he ‘could go till 8 o’clock in the morning’
O’Connor who made his Crucible debut last year will play Michael Holt for a spot in the quarter-finals.
