Introduction

Harvey Chandler is making his way up in the world of snooker. Chandler qualified as a professional for the first time by winning the EBSA European Snooker Championship. After finishing top of his group, he beat hot prospects Latvian Rodion Judin and Finnish Heikki Niva to reach the semi-finals. After ousting former professional Fraser Patrick 6-2, he defeated Northern Irishman Jordan Brown 7-2 to win the trophy in Sofia and furthermore, won a two-year professional card.

Chandler has made a very decent start to the season so far, as he claimed his first professional victory against two-time ranking winner Michael White to qualify for the World Open. He then won against Norwegian Kurt Maflin to reach the Last 32 in Yushan before losing to Kyren Wilson 5-3. Above all, he reached the Last 16 for the first time in just his third attempt at the Paul Hunter Classic. His other notable achievement is reaching the final of pro–am event Pink Ribbon, raising valuable funds for breast cancer charities. Below is Chandler and Paul Mount, the owner of South West Snooker Academy, with the runners-up trophy.

Finally, I managed to catch up with him after the Paul Hunter Classic. Hope you enjoy the interview below!

Interview – Harvey Chandler

CoR: Congrats on your success at the recent Paul Hunter Classic! What positives and negatives will you take from your run to the Last 16 at the Paul Hunter Classic?

Harvey Chandler: Thank you! Yes, there are a couple of positives to take. I scored heavy throughout the tournament and held my own against top opposition, but unfortunately, it didn’t go to plan in the Last 16 against Zhang Anda. He made a frame-winning break in all 4 frames and I didn’t get a look in.

CoR: How did you first get into snooker?

Harvey Chandler: By accident really. I was a contracted footballer for Walsall F.C and Rushden & Diamonds F.C. Then unfortunately at the age of 15, I took a few serious injuries and had to call it a day. I was gutted!

I started playing snooker at 13 when my Dad took me down the local club and I adapted to the game straight away. Even at 13, I was a very natural, free-flowing player. I hit my first century at 13 and my first 147 at 15, but snooker was still the second choice to football.

CoR: When you entered the EBSA European Snooker Championships, did you set any expectations for yourself at all or did you go in the event believing you will win that crown?

Harvey Chandler: I went in believing I could win it. When I got to latter stages, that’s when I knew this was my time.

Dream Come True Winning the 2018 European Championship in Bulgaria, Sofia. & Earning a 2 Year Professional Tour Card! @BarryHearn @WorldSnooker1 @jasonferguson5 @BBCSnooker @BBCSport @TheEASB pic.twitter.com/ZAgdeCiVHy

— Harvey Chandler (@HarveyChandler) February 21, 2018

CoR: What would you say are your main strengths and weaknesses as a player?

Harvey Chandler: My strengths are my scoring and my weakness I would probably say my rest-play – I’m not the best with the rest!

CoR: It’s been over a month since you played your first professional match. How have you settled in at the moment?

Harvey Chandler: Yes, I’m enjoying every minute of it! Considering I was working 12-hour days in a factory before I turned professional, it is obviously a dream come true to play on the pro tour. I’ve had some good results, and I’m looking forward to the upcoming tournaments ahead.

CoR: Did you receive any help from other snooker professionals in preparing for life as a professional? Or did you handle it on your own?

Harvey Chandler: Honestly, I handle it all by myself. But I spent a lot of my practice time as an amateur with my best mate, ex-pro Jamie O’Neill, who is based at Barrats Sports Bar in Northampton with myself. He has had lots of experience on the tour and has given me lots of help and support along my way to turning pro.

Very excited to announce my new practise base is @Barratts 😃 which is also home to 3 other pros Kyren Wilson, Peter Ebdon and Jamie o neill! Very lucky to have such a great club backing me 🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/h3hD0kAvw1

— Harvey Chandler (@HarveyChandler) August 31, 2018

CoR: What do you hope to achieve in your first two years as a professional? Do you have a set of goals?

Harvey Chandler: The main and obvious goal is to get into the top 64 as soon as possible. I also want to keep reaching latter stages in tournaments.