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MARK King believes there isn’t one professional snooker player who will object to the new World Snooker Tour proposals - regardless of who is at the helm.

On the day when Barry Hearn and Steve Davis join the WPBSA Board, the Romford potter is excited at new plans to revolutionise the snooker season and admits he can’t wait to get back to action at the Pukka Pies UK Championship.

“The last event seems like 10 years ago so I can’t wait to get back to playing,” King said.

“I am looking forward to seeing the changes come into place, suddenly the players would have a bit of choice and it would no longer be the case that you go out of a tournament then have to wait three months for another one to come along.

“With 15-20 ranking events it means that if you don’t make the grade then you have no excuses – the best players will be at the top of the rankings.

“There won’t be a professional player who objects to having more tournaments,” the world No.16 added.

King will face 110sport stablemate Anthony Hamilton in the first round at Telford after Hamilton made it through following a hard fought victory against Dave Harold.

“Anthony and I are good mates and it will be a really tough match. He certainly shouldn’t be ranked where he is but unfortunately he has had a run of bad luck and some disappointing results.

"I was commentating on 110sport TV at Prestatyn and while we didn't cover this match I was keeping an eye on it ... until I had to leave for home - And they were still playing!

"Obviously it meant a lot to both players. And the same will apply at Telford."

The UK Championship is a tournament which has presented Mark with many highs and lows over the years and he is hoping for more in the weeks to come.

“I’ve got loads of highlights from previous UK Championship’s. In 2004 I reached the semi-final and then a year later I beat Ronnie in 9-8 which was obviously a great result for me,” he continued.

“It’s a great tournament and I enjoy playing the long matches over the two sessions. I hope to create a few more memories over the next week or so.”

King still awaits his first ranking title and his last final appearance came in Ireland five years ago. Despite this Mark insists he can claim that elusive first title.

“Of course it’s frustrating that I’m still waiting on that first ranking title, but I’ll keep plugging away. I have been a top 32 player for the last 12 years so I am obviously doing something right.

“I still have time on my side and I am still putting the hours in on the practice table so here’s hoping it pays off.”

110sport TV