SCOTTISH snooker star Stephen Maguire has reached his first final in five years. Maguire is facing Mark Selby in the Llandudno showpiece - but you may notice he does not sport a bow tie like his rivals. And Maguire said he is entering the big one with a spring in his step after stripping his game back to the basics. The 43-year-old said: "I have done well in the scrappy frames this week because I have not been scoring well, I haven't even made a century.
![[Stephen Maguire chalking his cue at a snooker match.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/stephen-maguire-scotland-chalks-cue-972293944_136b29.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
"Working with Chris [Small] has definitely helped me. A few months ago I was losing to players who I didn't feel I should be beating me. I made the call to Chris and he stripped my game back to basics. Maybe this is the reward. "It's nice to be in the World Grand Prix now but for me it's all about trying to win the title. I'll only enjoy it if I win.". Stephen Maguire does not wear a bow tie after receiving an exemption to wear one on medical grounds.
![[Stephen Maguire of Scotland playing snooker.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/stephen-maguire-scotland-plays-shot-971498084.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
He developed a neck condition in his early years as a professional and has noticeably played without ever since. Maguire said: "I played with a bow tie for my first few years as a professional but developed a neck condition and that really put me off. "I went to the doctor and he managed to get a letter to allow me to play without it. "I have really climbed the rankings since then, so I think that was a significant factor.".
![[Snooker player taking a shot during a Championship League Snooker Invitational match.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Championship-League.jpg?strip=all&w=853)
Snooker's formal dress code goes right back to the 1700s. In the 18th Century, a similar pastime called billiards was rife among the British aristocracy. Those who wanted to play had to wear smart attire but neck ties and jackets would get in the way. So it was determined waistcoats and bow ties - paired with a long-sleeved shirt - were the best bet. In 1875, snooker was invented by members of the British Army - and the formal dress code stuck.
