Rocket ready for defence

World champion hoping for UK Championship defence

Last updated: 10th December 2008

Rocket ready for defence

O'Sullivan: Defending UK champ

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Ronnie O'Sullivan is hoping to repeat the stunning snooker that gave him the UK Championship title 12 months ago, as he prepares to start his defence in Telford on Saturday.

The reigning world champion and current world number one has been in great touch so far this season, winning Northern Ireland Trophy and reaching the final of the Shanghai Masters.

O'Sullivan also retained his Premier League crown and continued his dominance of the event, putting him in top form ahead of the UK Championship.

'The Rocket' slammed Stephen Maguire 10-2 in last year's final after a stunning maximum 147 saw him defeat Mark Selby in the semis.

Defence

With the tournament starting on Saturday in Telford, O'Sullivan is looking for a repeat performance.

"Winning the UK was a big moment for me last year," said the 33-year-old.

"It's one of the events I target at the start of the season.

Along with holding the tournament in high regard, O'Sullivan remembers the atmosphere in Telford spurred him on last year.

"I remember the 147 in the last frame of the semi-final - that was a great buzz," he added.

"The atmosphere at Telford was fantastic.

"I'm looking forward to going back this year and trying to play some good snooker again."

O'Sullivan begins his UK Championship bid with a first round match against Rory McLeod, starting on Saturday.