What is the reason for your recurring failure at the finals stage?
I think when I reach the finals; I'm too geared up to play. In fact I end up reaching the final because I'm playing well and beating one or two good players on the way. But there lies the problem. I think the anxiety to win the final is killing my chances.

How do you plan to overcome your anxiety?
What is essential is to keep the mind focused on what I'm doing on the table at that time and not allow my thoughts to stray and ponder over the possibilities of the outcome. It disturbs my action which in turn gets affected by the anxiety. The whole concept is to let the mind enjoy the action and be in the present. Take each game shot by shot. That is what I plan to do.

You have been making big breaks at many events over the last year or so. What is the challenge for achieving this consistency?
The challenge is to discipline your life style off the table. When you don't rush things and are calm in daily life, you conserve energy which gets manifested when you are playing. You become too focused and your concentration level goes up. It helps you to be in control over your shots—then the next shot and then the next. A series of good shots enable you to reach the highest break.

How do you prepare for big breaks?
There is no fixed formula to achieve big breaks and if there was one then many international players would have scored at will. You have to keep applying what you have learned over the years along with your past experiences in different situations that you have faced. Also a lot depends upon your idea of making a big break which comes from homework which is very important. Had there been a formula for big breaks top players wouldn't have stopped at less than 500 for each break.

... contd.