HAMMER TIME: Snooker Star Tom Ford Playing Through Agony After Sledgehammer Incident Left Him with ‘Stabbing Pains…
Leicester snooker ace Tom Ford is proving that determination can overcome even the most unexpected of injuries — including one caused by a sledgehammer.
The 41-year-old cueist stunned fans this week by revealing that he’s been competing through excruciating shoulder pain after a DIY mishap at home left him struggling to even lift his arm. Despite the injury, Ford produced a gutsy performance to beat China’s Yuan Sijun 4–2 on Thursday and book his place in the quarter-finals of the Northern Ireland Open.
A Freak Accident with a Sledgehammer
Ford’s injury tale began not in a practice room, but in his own home, where he was doing some renovation work. What was meant to be a simple task turned into an ordeal that could have derailed his tournament run.
“I was knocking a wall down with a sledgehammer,” Ford explained after the match. “I took one big swing, and I just felt something go in my shoulder — like someone had stabbed me. The pain was unreal. I could barely move my arm afterward.”
The Leicester cueist, who has long been admired for his fluid cue action and natural break-building ability, faced a decision: withdraw and recover or grit his teeth and play on. Ford, ever the fighter, chose the latter.
“I thought, ‘Well, I can still hold the cue, so I’ll give it a go.’ It’s been painful, especially when I stretch or lean in, but once I’m down on the shot, I just try to forget about it.”
Playing Through the Pain Barrier
Shoulder injuries can be particularly problematic in snooker, where precision, control, and stability are everything. Even a slight restriction in movement can throw off a player’s rhythm or balance. Ford admitted that every shot required extra focus.
“It’s all about staying relaxed, but that’s hard when every movement hurts,” he said. “I’ve been getting these stabbing pains every time I follow through on a shot. But I’ve adjusted my stance a bit and just focused on keeping my head still and my cue straight.”
His determination paid off in a composed 4–2 victory over Yuan Sijun. Despite grimacing between frames, Ford’s tactical intelligence and safety play shone through, proving that mental strength can sometimes outweigh physical pain.
Grit and Composure in Belfast
Ford’s run in Belfast marks another chapter in a career defined by perseverance. Over the years, he’s come close to major breakthroughs — reaching ranking event semi-finals and showing flashes of brilliance against top-tier opponents. But consistency and confidence have sometimes eluded him at the final hurdle.
This time, though, he seems motivated not just by ambition, but by defiance.
“I’ve been playing long enough to know how to handle pressure,” Ford said. “But this week, it’s been more about handling pain. Every frame feels like a battle, but I’m proud of how I’ve managed it.”
He now advances to the quarter-finals, where he’ll face a tough opponent — possibly a top-eight ranked player — in what could be one of the most anticipated clashes of the tournament.
A Fighter’s Mentality
Snooker legend Alan McManus praised Ford’s courage during Eurosport’s coverage of the match.
“You could see he wasn’t comfortable out there,” McManus said. “But the way he held himself together under pressure was brilliant. It’s a mental game, and Tom showed real character. That’s what separates good players from great ones.”
Fellow professional Shaun Murphy, a long-time friend of Ford, also chimed in:
“Tom’s one of the most naturally gifted cueists around. If he’s playing through pain and still beating top players, that tells you everything about his toughness. Most players would have pulled out.”
Fan Reactions: “Iron Cueist” Praised Online
Fans on social media were quick to show their admiration for Ford’s resilience, flooding platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook with messages of support.
@SnookerFanatic88 posted: “Tom Ford playing through stabbing pain and still winning — what a legend. Pure grit and heart.”
@BaizeBattler wrote: “DIY injury or not, he’s showing world-class composure. Hammer Time indeed!”
@CueControlUK added: “Call him the Iron Cueist. You can’t knock this man down, even with a sledgehammer.”Others joked that Ford’s story should serve as a cautionary tale for players attempting DIY during tournament season:
“Note to self,” one fan tweeted, “never pick up a sledgehammer the week of a ranking event.”
Behind the Scenes: Recovery and Preparation
Between matches, Ford has been undergoing constant treatment to keep the pain at bay. His physiotherapist has prescribed ice therapy, light stretching, and support taping to maintain mobility without worsening the injury.
“I’m icing it every night,” Ford said. “I can’t really rest properly while the tournament’s on, so it’s about managing it. The physio’s been brilliant, but honestly, it’s just grit getting me through.”
His next opponent will undoubtedly test his endurance, but Ford seems unfazed. “I’ve come this far,” he said. “There’s no point backing out now. I’m here to win — pain or no pain.”
Resilience Rewarded
The Northern Ireland Open, part of the Home Nations Series, has a reputation for producing dramatic storylines — and Ford’s hammer-time heroics have quickly become one of this year’s most talked-about tales. His perseverance has not only inspired fans but reminded everyone of the mental toughness required at the top level of professional snooker.
Ford’s win over Yuan Sijun wasn’t just a test of form; it was a test of fortitude. By adapting his technique and keeping a clear head under duress, he’s demonstrated that even in a sport built on stillness and precision, grit remains the ultimate weapon.
Post-Match Reactions
Tom Ford (on the win):
“It’s definitely not how I planned to prepare for a tournament,” he said with a laugh. “But once you’re out there, you forget about everything else. It’s just you, the table, and the next shot. I’m pleased I got through, and I’ll give everything in the quarters.”
Yuan Sijun (on facing an injured Ford):
“Tom was very solid. I could see he wasn’t comfortable, but he didn’t show weakness in his game. He deserved the win.”
Eurosport Commentator:
“Every player on tour deals with injuries, but Tom’s story is something else. He’s taken a literal hammer blow and turned it into motivation.”
Fan comment via Reddit:
“From sledgehammer to snooker hammer — that’s dedication. Hope he goes all the way.”
Looking Ahead
Ford’s run in Belfast is already one of the feel-good stories of the 2025 snooker season. If he manages to reach the semi-finals or beyond, it will rank among the most courageous performances of his career.
Regardless of how far he progresses, one thing is clear: Tom Ford has reminded the snooker world that toughness isn’t measured only in frames won, but in the battles fought behind the scenes.
He might not have intended to turn home demolition into a test of endurance, but his story now stands as a symbol of resilience, humour, and unshakable determination.
As one commentator put it perfectly:
> “He broke a wall, hurt his shoulder, and still broke through to the quarter-finals. That’s Tom Ford — the man who turned pain into performance.”
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