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I can still be No.1 and world champion

I know I’ve come in for criticism from some quarters for being world No.1 but not having won the World Championship. All I can say is that it doesn’t bother me what those people think. I know I am there on merit, I know it’s a very privileged position to be in – and there are only nine of us who can say they’ve ever been the number one player in the world.

Yes, I’m the only world No.1 not to have won the world title. But the way I look it, I’ve still got plenty of time to win it and still be No.1. And if and when that happens, will that silence the critics then?

I turn 30 next June and people may argue that time is not on my side. Again, I think that’s nonsense. John Higgins is still winning world titles late into his ’30s, Ronnie O’Sullivan won this year at the age of 36, so I have every reason to be optimistic. And I certainly don’t feel old.

I don’t feel under pressure to win the world title. I’m still consistent, I still get to the latter stages of major tournaments, although the less said about the recent Shanghai Masters the better. But despite going out in the first round and seeing John Higgins and Judd Trump reach the final to close the gap, I’m still at the top of the official rankings. And I’ve still got many more chances to win world and UK titles – my career is far from finished!

I practise every day, and always have done, with the goal of being the best player in the world. I believe I’ve earned the right to be the world No.1, and it’s incredible to think that I’m in that elite list alongside Ray Reardon, Cliff Thorburn, Steve Davis, Stephen Hendry, John Higgins, Mark Williams, Ronnie O’Sullivan and Neil Robertson.

I don’t think my life has changed too much since becoming No.1. I can afford a few more things, sure, but I’ve always preferred a low profile and to keep myself to myself. I like to think I’m a good ambassador for snooker and do what I can to promote the sport. I’ve earned a good living out of snooker and it’s right to give something back.

But ever since I turned professional, at the age of 15, I wanted to be world No.1 and win the world title. I’ve achieved one of those ambitions, and I see no reason why I won’t fulfil the other.