A COUNTY snooker ace has battled through to the second round of a top international tournament.
Musselburgh’s Ross Muir was in action on the second day of the Betway UK Championship, in York, taking on Mark King.
The former world number 11 previously reached the semi-finals of the tournament and defeated Muir 6-1 in the opening round of the same competition two years ago.

But it was Muir who emerged victorious yesterday (Wednesday) in the 11-frame opening round.

The lead swapped hands several times with Muir trailing 5-4 before bouncing back to win 6-5.

He now takes on Ben Woollaston in the second round of the competition.
Twenty-year-old Muir, speaking to Courier Sport less than a week before the tournament got under way, said: “Playing tournaments that are on the BBC is a childhood dream. This is my third year competing in this tournament and it is a fantastic feeling to play in the big events.
“When I’m concentrating and playing my match, it does not really matter if I am in a practice hall on my own or a television table at the UK Championship.
“I just concentrate on one ball at the time and that is all I am thinking about: my next shot.”
Muir also played in last year’s tournament, where he lost 6-5 to ex-world champion Peter Ebdon.
Muir, ranked world number 95, has just returned home after playing in China for three weeks before then heading to Bulgaria.
The former Musselburgh Grammar School pupil admitted he enjoyed travelling to the various tournaments. He said: “Every year, there are more tournaments added throughout the world. It is fantastic to see snooker growing so fast.
“I love travelling and learning about other countries and I love experiencing the culture and visiting some beautiful places in the world.
“We will be going to Gibraltar next month.”
And he is even learning Mandarin in a bid to help his career.
He said: “I’ve been learning for three years. I’ve got some friends in Edinburgh and a friend in Shanghai and I feel much more relaxed being able to communicate in China.
“A lot of people do speak English but it is certainly much more relaxing and there is much more choice for watching television!”
Muir is determined to do whatever he can to boost his career when he is away from the table.
He added: “I work hard every day and that is definitely the key.
“I’m someone who works hard at everything, not just when I am the table but away from the table to try to help my performances.
“I love playing tennis and I love fitness training; even if it is one per cent you can gain that can be an advantage during games.”