Day Dreams Of UK Breakthrough

Ryan Day is aiming to win his first ranking title as he looks ahead to snooker's Maplin UK Championship in Telford next month.

One of the sport's up-and-coming stars, Day has reached two ranking finals this year and is into the top 16 for the first time in his career.

Day lost to Shaun Murphy in the Malta Cup final in February and to Dominic Dale in the Roewe Shanghai Masters final in August but believes he is ready to go one step further.

“The two finals I've played in give me something to build on for the rest of this season. And the experience will help me next time I'm in a final,” said the 27-year-old from Pontycymmer in South Wales .

“My main goal at the start of the season was to maintain my top 16 ranking,” added Day, an outstanding break-builder who has made over 100 centuries in tournament play. “Hopefully getting to the final in Shanghai has taken care of that so maybe I can push for a place in the top eight. Of course my other target now is to win a tournament.

“My record in the Maplin UK Championship is not great, and I'm keen to improve that because both of my finals came overseas. I played at Telford in the World qualifiers a few years ago. I like the venue and I'm sure the tournament will be well supported.”

The Maplin UK Championship runs from December 8 to 16. Also battling for the title will be the likes of Ronnie O'Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, Ding Junhui, Steve Davis, 888.com World Champion John Higgins and defending champion Peter Ebdon.

Tickets for the earlier rounds of the tournament are still available, for details call 01952 561700 or visit www.ticuk.com