Introduction
Paul McPhillips (born 27 March 1971) is a Scottish former professional snooker player. He is best known as the regular practice partner of Stephen Hendry.
Amateur career
McPhillips was the UK Junior Champion in 1987. In 1990, he was defeated by Alan McManus in the final of the Scottish Amateur Championship.
Pro career
McPhillips turned Pro in 1991. In the 1992 Classic he reached the last 32 by defeating former world champion Joe Johnson. He defeated Ronnie O'Sullivan to reach the Last 16 of the 1994 Welsh Open but was beaten by Steve Davisand he also finished runners up to Matthew Stevens at the 1995 Benson & Hedges Championship in Edinburgh, he reached no. 59 in the Snooker world rankings 1994/1995 as a result. At the 1997 British Open, he reached the last 16 but was narrowly defeated by Stephen Hendry. During the 1997/98 season, he defeated Michael Holt 6–5 to win the 1st event, in Event 4 he reached the last 16 and at Event 5 he reached the Quarter Final to claim the overall UK Tour.
He had another notable victory in 3rd Qualifying round of the 2001 Embassy World Snooker Championship against Tony Jones.
In the later stages of his career he reached the Preliminary Round at the 2011 Scottish Professional Championship. and at the 2015 World Seniors Championship he was defeated in the quarter finals by John Parrott.
Career finals
Non-ranking finals: 2 (1 title, 1 runner-up)
| Outcome | No. | Year | Championship | Opponent in the final | Score |
| Runner-up | 2. | 1995 | Benson & Hedges Championship | Matthew Stevens | 3–9 |
| Winner | 1. | 1997/98 | UK Tour Event 1 | Michael Holt | 6–5 |
Amateur finals: 1 ( 1 runner-up)
| Outcome | No. | Year | Championship | Opponent in the final | Score |
| Runner-up | 2. | 1990 | Scottish Amateur Championship | Alan McManus | 9–5 |
Results
- 1989WPBSA Pro Ticket Series - Event 3 - Quarter Final
- 1991 Benson & Hedges Championship Satellite Championship - last 16
- 1992 Welsh Open last 64
- 1992 Classic (snooker) last 32
- 1993 Welsh Open last 64
- 1993 European Open (1992/1993) last 64
- 1994 British Open last 64
- 1994 Grand Prix (snooker) last 64
- 1995 International Open last 64
- 1995 Welsh Open last 64
- 1996 Grand Prix (snooker) last 32
- 1997 WPBSA Qualifying School - Event 2 - last 32
- 1997 WPBSA Qualifying School - Event 3 - last 32
- 1997 International Open last 64
- 1998 UK Tour - Event 2 - 32
- 1998 UK Tour - Event 5 - Quarter Final
- 1998 UK Tour - Event 4 - last 16
- 2000 Grand Prix (snooker) last 48
- 2001 Challenge Tour (snooker) - Event 2 -last 16
- 2001 Challenge Tour (snooker) - Event 1 -last 16
- 2002 Challenge Tour (snooker) - Event 3 -last 32
- 2002 Challenge Tour (snooker) - Event 4 -last 32