Adrian Gunnell lines up stunner
Shropshire snooker ace Adrian Gunnell believes he is in the form to cause an upset when he makes his first television appearance in more than 12 months on Monday.
Shropshire snooker ace Adrian Gunnell believes he is in the form to cause an upset when he makes his first television appearance in more than 12 months on Monday.
Gunnell takes on world No 14 Mark Allen in the last 32 of the UK Championship in front of the BBC cameras at York's Barbican Centre on Monday afternoon, writes JAMES GARRISON.
The Telford cueman, who won three qualifiers to reach the final stages of the prestigious event, hasn't appeared on television since losing 3-0 to Ding Junhui in the World Open at Glasgow in September 2010.
But buoyed by impressive recent displays, the world No 64 heads north tomorrow in upbeat mood.
"The last time I appeared on television I didn't perform at all," said the 39-year-old.
"But if I can cope with that, I feel as though my game is there to have a chance of an upset. I'm scoring well."
The sport's second biggest tournament, which started today, has returned to York after a four-year stint in Telford.
And, while Gunnell is hugely disappointed to see Shropshire lose one of its jewels in its sporting crown, he believes the return to York has helped his cause.
"I'm not sure if I would have reached the final stages if it had still been in Telford," he added.
"Trying to qualify for a big tournament in your home town brings with it 20 per cent extra pressure."