Glover enjoys taste of Barbican

Glover lost 6-1 to China’s Xiao Guodong at the Barbican to bow out of what is considered one of snooker’s ‘triple crown’ events, along with the World Championship and the Masters.

The Chinese cueman burst into a 5-0 lead in York, which included a break of 131 in frame four, before 36-year-old Glover could really get into his stride.

And while world No.109 Glover admits he was unhappy with his display, he is adamant that he will be back in York next year better than ever.

“I’m really disappointed with my performance but Guodong played brilliantly in the first four frames,” he said.

“I had a few chances that I let slip when we came back after the interval, which I’m frustrated about, but I have to give credit to my opponent – he’s a fantastic player.

“You can’t take anything away from him and I hope he does well for the rest of the tournament but I’m disappointed with my own performance.

“This was my first time at the UK Championship and it’s absolutely fantastic. There’s a great atmosphere in the arena and it has just made me want to come back next year, although I’ve got to improve.”

Glover has found it tough going in his first year back on snooker’s World Tour after a 15-year absence.

But safe in the knowledge that his current tour card will last for two seasons, the 36-year-old remains confident he can turn things around.

“After a performance like that I need to be practicing, not wasting time, so I will be straight back on the practice table,” he added.

“I’m not playing to my potential at all this season – I’ve got a lot of work to do in order to find my game and try to compete with these players.

“It’s my first year on the Tour and it’s tough to make that step up – there’s a massive, massive difference in standard.

“For the lower-ranked players to play against the top guys is a huge leap – I’ve just got to get right inside my head and get used to it though.

“It’s nice to have that security of a two-year tour card and it’s fantastic what Barry [Hearn] has done for the game. It gives everybody a chance but I just need to start playing better.”

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