Shropshire snooker ace Adrian Gunnell insists his top form is on the brink of returning after an encouraging showing at a weekend tournament in Prague.

The Telford cueman reached the last 32 of the Players Championship event before bowing out to three-times world champion John Higgins in the Scot’s second tournament after a six month ban following match fixing allegations.

And Gunnell is encouraged by his displays as he prepares for next week’s UK Championship qualifying in Sheffield when places for the main tournament in Telford will be up for grabs. “The form is coming,” said the 38-year-old.

“I feel it’s there in practice although it’s never fully back in matches before winning becomes a regular habit.”

Gunnell defeated Germany’s Thomas Cesal 4-0 in his opening match, rattling in a 122 break and four other half century contributions.

He was also on course for a maximum 147 break before breaking down on the 11th black.

Gunnell then produced his best performance as he came from 3-0 down to defeat world No 19 Mark Davis 4-3.

But a meeting with Higgins – who lost in the final to Michael Holt – proved a step too far with the Shropshire player suffering a 4-1 defeat.

“He won one of the frames on a re-spotted black and in another I had a good lead and lost the frame,” added Gunnell. “But it’s the first time I have played John and he’s the best player in the world. It’s fascinating watching him but when he is at the table, you don’t think you will get another shot.

“He looks to have come back better than ever.”