The biggest stars in world snooker will be descending on Shropshire this weekend for one of the showpiece occasions of their sporting calendar.

The Maplin UK Championship kicks off at the International Centre in Telford on Saturday – returning to the venue which proved such a big success last year.

World number one “Rocket” Ronnie O’Sullivan lifted the title last year after demolishing Stephen Maguire 10-2 in the final, and said he had loved his time in Telford, which included joining local runners for regular trips up The Wrekin.

The 33-year-old fitness fan, who has faced well-publicised bouts of depression, said: “The way I deal with depression is through running, it gives me a social life and makes me feel good.”

He hopes he is creating a legacy of thrilling snooker after winning the Telford title last year.

“Snooker is about showtime to me – it’s all about the big matches. I love this tournament, the Masters, the World and the Premier League. Those are the ones I want to do well in.

“The crowds in Telford were great all week and gave me so much support. I think I give a lot to people with the way I play, I bring excitement and maybe that’s as good as seven world titles.

“I think I’m unique in the way I attack the game with speed. It’s like if I turn on the TV and Tiger Woods is playing, I’ll watch it because I wonder what he’s going to do. It’s a great honour for me to give that kind of joy.’

Recalling his performance in last year’s final, O’Sullivan said: “I played great, I capitalised whenever Stephen broke down on 20 or 30. I got into a rhythm, I scored well and put him in trouble. I think I stumbled on a consistency that I haven’t felt for about 14 years.”

But there are plenty of in-form players keen to halt his charge to another title. Australian Neil Robertson, who took on local amateurs in Telford last month as part of a pre-tournament publicity event, is the form player after winning the last ranking event, in Bahrain.

And Shaun Murphy, the 2005 world champion, is desperate to recapture some form after enduring a miserable season.

Reigning world champion John Higgins, Chinese sensation Ding Junhui, and seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry are also among the line-up.

Last year’s final brought about some of the most memorable scenes on the entire snooker year when O’Sullivan was joined in the arena after his victory by partner Jo and 22-month-old daughter Lily – who walked on the table.

“Success is all the better when you can share it with your family,” O’Sullivan said.

The Shropshire Star is again the official media partner for the tournament, which is second in importance only to the world championships in Sheffield.

World Snooker spokesman Ivan Hirschowitz said: “The Shropshire Star was our official media partner when we first staged the Maplin UK Championship in Telford last year and we were very pleased with the support we received.

“The publicity for the event generated by the Star was a key factor behind the excellent level of attendance from snooker fans in the region and the overall success of the tournament.”

The competition runs from December 13-21. To book tickets, call 01952 561700 or visit www.ticuk.com