Mark Selby is desperate to win one of snooker’s two major prizes, with his first opportunity coming at the 2011 UK Championship in York, which starts on Saturday.
The world number one is 6/1 with bookmaker to win the title at The Barbican, with Selby starting his bid for glory against Wales’ Ryan Day on Sunday.
Selby’s best year in the two major tournaments came in 2007, when he reached the UK Championship semi-finals and also reached the final of the World Championship in Sheffield.
“They are the two main events that I am always aiming to win,” Selby said. “Everyone sees them as the pinnacle of our sport – it would be nice to win both.”
Meanwhile, defending champion and reigning world champion John Higgins has voiced his concern that all matches up until the semi-final stages will be over a reduced 11-frame format, which he feels could lead to more upsets.
The Scot added: “You always associate the UK Championship with the best of 17. That it’s been cut to 11 is very disappointing.”
