A Portishead snooker player who won his first two matches as a professional celebrated the biggest payday of his snooker career at the English Open in Milton Keynes.
Ben Hancorn beat both Sean Maddocks and Thepchaiya Un-Nooh at the English Open but eventually fell to a 4-2 defeat against Welsh player Jak Jones in the third round.
Hancorn, aged 38, worked in roles in both the NHS and hospitality before turning his full attention to snooker but scooped £4,000 in prize money after winning his first two matches on the professional circuit.
The world number 113 revelled in augmenting his bank balance but was eager to stop his wife, Debbie, embarking on a sudden spending spree.
He said: “Because I’ve obviously managed to win some money this week, I’m sure my missus has spent it already.
“We’ve already got our big list, so it’s all good – I’m going back to see my son, Carter, and my wife so that’s all that matters.
“Of course it’s a real boost, I had a good job and when I turned pro I made a decision that I’m 38-years-old, need to put all my eggs in and have a good go.
“Any money is good at this stage and it takes the pressure off for the next three tournaments, because they’re back-to-back.
“It’s a bit of a learning curve for me – I got out of the gates and started really well but unfortunately on Thursday my game wasn’t there until the third frame.
“In these short formats you can’t peg back a three-game deficit unless everything goes right for you.”
Hancorn memorably toppled world number 18 Un-Nooh in the last 64 on Tuesday but a date with Jones, ranked just nine places above him, proved a step too far.
The Portishead potter crafted breaks of 84 and 79 after Jones had opened up with efforts of 88 and 72, but the Welshman pinched a scrappy sixth frame to progress to the last 16.
Hancorn admits he felt the heat of the battle but hopes to go deeper in tournaments as the busy season continues.
He added: “You could feel the difference today as opposed to yesterday and there’s a lot more tension in the room.
“If I can find some form then I can see myself around this area [of competitions] and further, but it’s all a learning curve at the moment.”
Watch the snooker English Open live on Eurosport, Eurosport app and Quest.
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