Welsh Open News - My Day Will Come
Wales’ top ranked snooker star Ryan Day believes that his quest to win his first ranking title will soon come to an end as he looks ahead to next week’s Welsh Open in Newport.
The 28-year-old from Pontycymmer has appeared in three ranking finals within the past two years, including the Royal London Watches Grand Prix in October when he lost 9-7 to John Higgins. He has yet to land a major piece of silverware but has no doubts that the best is yet to come.
“It was frustrating at the time when I lost each of those three finals, but I don’t dwell on them,” said Day. “I’ll just wait for my next opportunity. If I keep knocking on the door, eventually it will open for me.
“My goals for the season are to get into the top four in the rankings and to win the World Championship. I’m fifth in the (provisional) rankings at the moment so the first one is well within reach. The World Championship is open - whoever gets their head together and plays well for two weeks can win it, and I don’t see why that can’t be me.”
Having been one of snooker’s most consistent performers over the past two years, Day has suffered a recent blip in form, losing his opening match in the Maplin UK Championship and the Masters. He is aiming to get back on track in Newport, starting with his match against Ireland's Michael Judge at the Newport Centre at 7pm on Tuesday, February 17.
“Losing in the first round of two big tournaments has dented my confidence,” admitted Day. “I’ve been up against good opponents who have played well. In fact I’ve been knocked out of the last two ranking events by Matthew Stevens, though he is not the type to wind me up about it - Mark Williams is more that type!
“I don’t think being the highest-ranked Welsh player adds to the pressure in the Welsh Open, it’s an event I would love to do well in. Come next Tuesday I will be ready, and if my game clicks then I expect to have a good run. Michael Judge beat me 5-0 at Newport two years ago, but then I beat him at the Crucible last season.”
The Welsh Open is set to feature star players such as Ronnie O'Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, John Higgins, Shaun Murphy, defending champion Mark Selby and home favourites Ryan Day, Matthew Stevens, Mark Williams and Dominic Dale.
