Snooker champ's baby joy.

January 2004

"It's unbelievable, the best thing that has ever happened to me, - said Matthew Stevens last week as the Welsh snooker ace became a father for the first time.

The star's girlfriend Clare Holloway gave birth to a 7lb 12oz son earlier this week and the couple have named him after Matthew Stevens' late father. Carmarthen-born Stevens said the birth of baby Freddie was "10 times better than winning the UK title" which he picked-up last month.

Stevens captured his first ranking event title in November when he won the Travis Perkins UK Championship and has now cause for even greater celebration.

"My life couldn't be any better at the moment, - said the 26-year-old from Carmarthen. - This is a dream come true for me. I'm having a few sleepless nights but I'm slowly getting used to being a dad".

Freddie has been given the middle name Morrell - in honour of Matthew Stevens's late father who died in 2001: "Ever since we found out that Clare was pregnant we decided that if the baby was a boy, Morrell would be his middle name".

"All my friends have been on the phone in the last few days congratulating me, which has been great. Mark Williams gave me a ring and I gave him a bit of advice!" (Williams, the world No 1 from Cardiff, is due to become a father in the spring with fiance Joanne Dent.

Stevens now aims to continue his winning streak into the Welsh Open, the fourth event of the LG Electronics Tour season. The tournament at the Welsh Institute of Sport in Cardiff starts next Monday (January 19).

Leader of the latest Order of Merit, Stevens added: "I've not played at all since winning the UK. I was supposed to be back to practice last week but then Freddie came along! I'll be working hard this week so hopefully I'll be sharp for the Welsh Open.

Freddie will be there to cheer me along. I'm not sure whether he's going to be a snooker player though, I'd rather put a golf club in his hand!"

"Being an expectant father and a dad has made me more relaxed...Now I have a little one to consider I realise snooker isn't everything".

The UK Champion Stevens is now planning to buy a home in Carmarthen and settle down. He has also vowed to cut back on his wild nights and focus on his game.

Based on www.worldsnooker.com materials.