Maguire aims to win a place at the Masters

A last-32 clash at the UK Championship is enough of a high-pressure situation in itself. But with heavy Masters implications on the line, Glasgow cueman Stephen Maguire admits his match with Mark Davis today takes on even more importance.

Stephen Maguire is ranked 16th in the world. Picture: Getty Images

Maguire and Davis square off at 1pm at York’s Barbican Centre not only for a place in the last 16 but also looking to earn themselves a spot at the prestigious Masters event in January.

Only the players ranked inside the world’s top 16 following the conclusion of the UK Championship qualify for the tournament – one of snooker’s Triple Crown’ at London’s Alexandra Palace.

Maguire is currently a provisional world No 16 and while world No 20 Davis is one of the men gunning to take his place, the Scot is well aware that a win on this afternoon would more or less guarantee him the qualification he craves.

“It’s a big match between us because of the Masters situation and I feel like if I can manage to take care of Mark I should be safe for it,” said Maguire. “I feel it’s in my hands which is nice.

“But the last three years Mark has played the best snooker of his career and he’s got a chance to push back into the top 16, so it won’t be easy.

“I was keeping an eye on the [provisional world No.17] Ryan Day match on Sunday and when he lost, it took the pressure off me a little bit. But I’d still like to win my next match as it would mean I’m not sitting 16th. I’m just focused on the match when I’m out there and everything else will take care of itself.

“I know if I win I’ll be OK and if I lose and don’t make the Masters it will be my own fault.”

Masters implications aside, a victory over Davis would move Maguire a step closer to claiming a second UK Championship title; he lifted the trophy back in 2004.

The 34-year-old has had contrasting matches so far in York this week, edging past Jimmy White 6-5 in a first-round match he admitted he was lucky to win before routing Jamie Cope 6-0 in round two on Sunday.

Such is Maguire’s talent that he is a legitimate contender to win every tournament he enters but claims he is having to fight against a foe other than his opponents this week – the Barbican Centre tables.

“I have to say, that against Jamie [Cope] was one of the worst tables that I’ve played on and it’s not good for the crowd watching because we can’t play good snooker,” said Maguire. “It’s not good enough for a big tournament like this. It’s unplayable. I was changing my positional shots and I don’t practise every day to do that.

“I feel good and I feel as if I’m cueing ok. I feel if I get in I will score and that’s a nice feeling to have but I don’t trust the tables.”

John Higgins, meanwhile, claims he is relishing the prospect of an all-Scottish clash in the last 16 after coming through the third round yesterday.

The Wishaw potter continued his fine form this season as he beat two-time World Championship finalist Ali Carter 6-2 in the last 32 at York’s Barbican Centre.

That sets up a clash with Higgins’ long-time friend, Hamilton cueman Jamie Burnett and the 40-year-old is feeling confident.

“Playing Jamie in the next round will be a good game, a tartan tussle,” said Higgins. “I’m just happy with the way I’m hitting the ball, so I’m looking forward to it. I beat him the last time we played but he’s looked great this week. I’m very happy with my game and delighted to be through. I’m enjoying it because the last couple of years I was struggling at tournaments and you don’t know what will be happening.”

Burnett continued his fine run at this year’s tournament by overcoming China’s Li Hang 6-3.

The world No.44 made four half-centuries during the game and is convinced everything bodes well because of the way he is playing.

“I’ve been scoring pretty well and winning frames at nearly one visit quite regularly. As long as I keep doing that, I’ve got a good chance,” said Burnett.

“It was a good game and the scoreline was probably a little unfair because there wasn’t a lot in it. I can’t wait for the match against John – you don’t want to play your mates but it’s part of the game.”

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