SNOOKER star Ross Muir has vowed to build on his battling spirit after twice coming from back from the brink in the opening competition of the season.

Players from across the globe were split into 16 groups of four as the competition got under way in Leicester last month.

Muir, who is returning to the top table of the sport after five years on the amateur circuit, finished third in his group on Monday after losing to Noppon Saengkham and securing draws with Mark Davis and Jenson Kendrick.

Speaking to Courier Sport the following day, he said: “It was a bit tough.

“There were a lot of aspects of my game I was struggling with.

“With it being early days in the season, there was quite a bit of rustiness and, I think, in general I lacked match sharpness as well. That was quite prominent during the games and it cost me probably four or five frames in my three matches.

“I was pretty disappointed with the results.

“I went there to win the group and to finish third was not what I was expecting or wanting.

“I will take the positives, though.

“I had a televised century break in a match but most importantly I salvaged something from quite an ugly situation.

“I was 2-0 down in both the second and third matches and I fought back to get draws.

“The fighting spirit was quite strong and the difference between third and fourth.”

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Only Thailand’s Saengkham has progressed from the group to the next stage.

Now, Muir’s attention has turned to the European Masters, which will be played in Nuremberg, Germany, at the end of next month.

In the meantime, 27-year-old Muir plans to use that fighting spirit on the practice table, playing alongside former world champion John Higgins.

 

 

He said: “You need to dig deep.

“If things are not going your way, you still have got to believe and try everything to get the pendulum to swing back in your favour.”

The Musselburgh potter was also given an opportunity to impress off the table.

The competition is being screened on Eurosport and Muir stepped in alongside David Hendon and Phil Yates to provide commentary.

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He said: “I absolutely loved every second of it.

“It was my first time doing commentary and it is quite a pressurised situation doing it live on television.

“There has been a lot positive feedback on social media and I am glad they enjoyed it as well.

“During the Championship League each year, they ask a few players if they want to be part of the commentary team.

“I was very happy when I got the email asking if I wanted to take part.

“It is something that I have wanted to try for many years and it was fantastic to get the opportunity.”