York cueman Ashley Hugill can feel a ‘big victory’ is just round the corner

Ambitious: York professional snooker player Ashley Hugill

ASHLEY HUGILL reckons a giant-killing is just around the corner after winning his first match of the season at the Scottish Open.

The York star beat Farakh Ajaib 4-0 in the first round before slipping to a 4-1 defeat against world No.46 Robert Milkins in the last 64.

Hugill, the world No.125, finally ended his eight-match losing run this week and says giving the top players a fright is next on his ambitious agenda.

Busy time: Ashley Hugill is taking Christmas off after his second round exit at the Scottish Open. Picture Scott Merrylees

Asked if his best performance would be enough to topple the snooker elite, the 26-year-old said: “No doubt.

“I know my game’s there, it’s just bringing it out. I know if I do, I can compete and beat anyone on the tour.

“It’s just been a case of bringing my A-game to the table that I’ve found quite difficult. But I feel like over the last couple of weeks, I have moved towards that and taken a few steps in the right direction.

“I know I can put up a decent fight against decent players and form players.

“I know the form’s there in practice, and I’ve got off the mark this week, so the pressure’s off regarding getting a win. I just need to try and get on a few runs before the end of the season.”

Hugill made breaks of 131 and 96 against Ajaib but visits of 72 and 62 from Milkins, a six-time ranking event semi-finalist, dashed his hopes at the Marshall Arena.

Hugill will now not take to the match table for a number of weeks as he enjoys a well-earned break over the festive period.

One win from ten matches is not the return he wanted but he hopes short-term targets can hold the key to success.

“I’ve been really busy over the last few months, have practiced really hard and not had much time off at all,” he added.

“I might have a few days off, go back to York and see my family over Christmas.

“I don’t try and set long-term targets – I like to set really short-term targets and then the long-term targets take care of themselves.”

Watch the Scottish Open live on Eurosport, Eurosport app, and stream on discovery+

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