Welsh Open 2025: Stephen Maguire takes 'blame' for failing to match Mark Selby and Neil Robertson's careers

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Stephen Maguire reached his first ranking event semi-final since 2021 with 5-3 victory over Jack Lisowski at the Welsh Open, sparking reflection on his career which has boasted little silverware despite obvious talent. Reflecting on his career, Maguire said he "broke through first" but never built upon it, and takes the "blame" for that.

'I broke through first' - Maguire not feeling 'jealousy' despite falling behind snooker rivals

Video credit: TNT Sports

Stephen Maguire insisted he does not feel "jealousy", despite confessing to falling behind snooker rivals such as Mark Selby and Neil Robertson.

Maguire, a six-time ranking event winner, sealed passage to his first major semi-final in four years with a 5-3 victory over Jack Lisowski at the Welsh Open on Friday.

And it continues a fine week for the Scot, begging the question as to why he has not enjoyed more silverware, with the 43-year-old boasting some fine potting throughout his run.

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Reflecting upon his career in the Eurosport studio, Maguire said he takes the "blame" for failing to match the rivals who he broke onto the snooker scene before.

"It's not jealousy, anybody who wins, I'm never devastated that they win," Maguire said.

"I probably broke through first, [compared] to your Selbys, Robertsons. It was me who broke through first and never pushed on.

'Beautiful' double on final red kick-starts Maguire steal after Lisowski's failed maxi

Video credit: TNT Sports

"They went on to have much better careers than me. That's my own fault. I don't look at them. I blame me for that."

A largely torrid 2024/25 campaign has seen Maguire ousted from tournaments such as the Scottish Open and Northern Ireland Open early, while also falling to a whitewash defeat against Kyren Wilson in the first round of the UK Championship in November.

And that run saw him call upon the services of Chris Small, and he explained the decision to appoint his compatriot with an amusing quip.

Asked about the previous issues with his game, Maguire said: "It's basically getting on line.

"I phoned Chris up, said I'm not aligned. I don't feel like I can pot anything, he invited me to his house.

"We put a lot of work in, I feel like he's got me aligned, so now it's up to me to put the work in, and trust it."

He added: "I don't like any of the other coaches who float about here! Chris is a good guy, I've known him for years and he's played the game. He's been out there, he's a tournament winner. I trust him."

White cracks up as Maguire makes hilarious confession about his coaching decision

Video credit: TNT Sports

Among Maguire's scalps en route to Saturday's semi-final against Ali Carter, he has ousted Mark Williams and Xu Si - and the world No. 29 looked comfortable against Lisowski in Llandudno, falling behind just once in the match.

Analysing his performance, Maguire was pleased with the mental aspect of his game, but critical of some of the more tactical elements.

"I was focused, I thought my concentration was good," Maguire added. "But a few silly shots out there.

"My positional play was all over the place. So it was hard to make good breaks, but I actually felt alright."

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