SNOOKER star Ross Muir insists that he is well on his way to a first World Snooker tournament victory despite first-round exits at the Scottish Open and the German Masters qualifiers.
Muir, from Musselburgh, was beaten by Alife Burden in Glasgow, losing 4-2 after taking an early 2-0 lead.
And on Wednesday morning, he fell to a 5-1 loss at the hands of Rod Lawler in the first qualifying round for the German Masters.
But despite those defeats, the 22-year-old former Musselburgh Grammar School pupil is confident that he’s made improvements in his game over the last 12 months.
Muir, ranked 111 in the world, told Courier Sport: “I actually feel like I’ve been playing really well.
“It’s taken some good performances from guys to beat me – I’m not actually sure they’ve played any better snooker than I have, but they’ve had luck on their side.”
The Honest Toun resident admitted that his failure to take chances cost him dearly against Burden.
He added: “He came back at me really well but I had chances and it just fell away – the little things cost me.”
Muir was insistent that his luck would change soon.
He said: “I know people will look at my ranking or see that I’ve not won that many matches but I am playing really well.
“I’m in the best form of my career and I believe that it won’t be long before I’m winning tournaments, not just matches.
“I’ve taken nothing but positives from the season so far.”
Muir told Courier Sport that he had parents Robert and Margaret, and Chinese girlfriend Tian Yue, to thank for helping his game progress.
“Everyone really puts the effort in to make sure I am in the best place possible for each tournament,” he said.
“I’m putting a lot of effort into practice and in tournaments, but they are doing their bit as well.”
And Muir admits that will not stop over the forthcoming festive period.
"Professional snooker is a lifestyle, not just a job, and the level has proved that this year you need to be playing almost perfectly to win matches,” he said.
“I’ll definitely not be eating a double Christmas dinner or sinking bottles of wine at the table.”
But Muir added he would still be able to enjoy Christmas with his family in his hometown.
He is in China for the China Open qualifiers in the New Year and hopes that 2018 will bring a maiden tournament win.
“My game is at a different level to where it was a year ago and I know that, with a little bit more luck, I’ll be up there,” Muir added.
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