John Higgins hails York city as he looks to take on challenges at 2011 UK Championship
World Snooker’s second most prestigious event after World Snooker Championship, UK Championship, has returned to its actual home, York, after a time span of four years. The last event of UK Championship at York was played in 2006, where former world champions,
England’s Petere Ebdon defeated veteran, Stephen Hendry, by a score of 10-6.
Four-time world snooker champion reached York a couple of days back and participated in Paul Hunter Foundation Roadshow. He was excited for the championship to return to York after four years. He also believes that the game has changed since he played in
York last time. He hoped his participation in big matches would help him recover to his previous good form at the baize.
While speaking to the media in York, Higgins said, “York’s a great place and there aren’t many nicer cities at Christmas to be around and about and I am sure all the players are looking forward to coming back here. It looks great and now I just can’t wait.
I wish it was starting this weekend.”
The Wizard of Wishaw added, “None of the top players look at who they are playing – they just hopefully get their game in good shape and if they manage to win they win, if they don’t they don’t. Hopefully in the next week I can get on the practise table,
try to put my work in and, hopefully, be ready.”
Higgins also said that like all the top players, who participate in any event thinking that they can win, he has also come here to succeed and regain his form. The 36-year-old Higgins snatched the very title of UK Championship from the jaws of Mark Williams
last year, springing back from 7-2 and 9-5 down to beat him 10-9.
If the Scotsman makes it to the UK final, it will be his third consecutive appearance and he is excited about being a part of history, at York. Higgins is set to face England’s Rory McLeod in Round 1 of the tournament and aims to hit the top spot again.
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