York native Ashley Hugill is relishing the prospect of playing in his home city at this week’s UK Championship. The 23-year-old is currently experiencing his first season as a professional on the tour and has enjoyed a solid if unspectacular start, reaching the second round of two events that included last week’s Dafabet Northern Ireland Open.
Hugill earned a two-year Tour Card via Q School in May and admits he is using this season to get to grips with life as a professional, and next year he will be aiming to progress and retain his place on the tour. “It has been a new kind of pressure for me this season because now I’m fighting for ranking points in every tournament,” said Hugill. “It has been good experience for me and I’ve got a few wins under my belt. “I know I’ve got two seasons on the tour so this season is all about gaining a foothold and then next season my aim will be to get the results I need to keep my place on the tour.”
The world number 116 will be hoping to impress at this week’s UK Championship, a tournament being played at the Barbican Centre in his home city of York. Hugill will take on Scotland’s Anthony McGill in the first round on Wednesday and knows he will face a severe test of his credentials against a player who beat him 4-1 at the Indian Open earlier in the season. “I won the first frame and then he played well and beat me 4-1,” added Hugill. Hugill is priced at 14/5 to secure a victory against McGill who is available at 1/4 to book his place in round two.
UK Championship odds available at Dafabet.
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