Mitchell Mann out but not down after defeat

Mann, who plays for Oldbury’s Brandhall Labour in the Staffs and West Midlands League, succumbed to a disappointing second round defeat at the ManBetX Welsh Open, going down 4-0 against Yan Bingtao after watching breaks of 108 and 76 from the chair.

But the world No.93 believes being content in his family life can help him improve heading into the latter stages of the season.

“Off the table I think I’ve cracked it,” he said.

“The result doesn’t worry me too much, and going forward feeling the way I’m feeling is a big thing for me given some of the battles I’ve had in the past.

“Mentally, I felt pretty good out there – I was well-prepared, but it’s fine lines, and you can’t play well every day.

“I’d rather feel settled out there going forward for the rest of the season, so I’m not too worried about because I feel like I’m doing the right things, and hopefully something will change.”

The 28-year-old travels to Watford for the Snooker Shoot Out next week, ramping up his preparation for the Betfred World Championship in April.

And he says he is looking forward to combining his domestic life with potting ball after ball on the practice table. I feel upbeat – I’m going to go back and have a day off now,” he added.

“But then I’ll just get straight back on the table and back to work, while spending time with my family and daughter.”