When Stephen Maguire won the 2004 UK Championship commentators and snooker experts proclaimed him the new Stephen Hendry.

Not because they’re both Scottish and have the same first name, but because their techniques have certain similarities. They’re both minimalistic, offensive, accurate and extraordinarily gifted. They’re both excellent break builders and natural talents that often leave the audience in awe after clearing the table.

There is however one big difference. Hendry is a remarkably composed player who never allows himself to get too nervous or dwell on previous misses. He is famous for his poker face and will always display perfect sportsmanship. It’s not that he lacks emotions, not at all. There have been interviews when Hendry has been visibly affected by a negative match result. But at the table he usually gives the impression of being as calm as a cucumber at all times.

Maguire on the other hand has had some problems with nervousness and seems to suffer from mood swings during matches. He has the disadvantage of letting misses and frame defeats get to him. This might be due to his young age, but is probably just a part of his character as a human being. That said, there aren’t many snooker players on the tour today that share Hendry’s calm state of mind.

Could Maguire become snooker’s next big star and world number one? Does he have what it takes to win the World Championship?

He certainly possesses the aptitude but will his nerves hold out and allow him to win more big tournaments? In 2004 Maguire was seemingly unbeatable when he took the UK Championship title and Ronnie O’Sullivan predicted that he would be the next world champion.

He won the China Open in 2008 and is ranked number two in the world for the 2009/10 season. There is definitely a lot of potential. So, what are you waiting for, Maguire? It’s time to show them all!