Perry targets turnaround

Perry: On the slide

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Joe Perry is hoping for a reverse in fortunes when he begins his challenge on the Grand Prix title in Glasgow.

The 'Fen Potter' has failed to win a ranking tournament match since shocking world number one Ronnie O'Sullivan in the last 16 of the UK Championship back in December.

Perry has the chance to put that right on Saturday evening, the 35-year-old kicking off his title assault against Scotsman Marcus Campbell.

Speaking ahead of the match, Perry told racing+: "Results have not been good, but I am happy with the way I have been playing.

"I've played okay, but things haven't quite gone my way and that tends to happen when you're on a bad run. I'm staying positive.

Rewarded

"I've had some tough matches in practice this week, it's been going well and I'm playing all right.

"Marcus is a very, very good player, although his record over the years perhaps doesn't show it.

"I played him a long time ago and beat him in the UK Championship, it was something like 9-7, and I also beat him narrowly in a minor event, but both times they were close."

An FA Cup-style draw was introduced for the Grand Prix in 2008, from the second round onwards, with all first round winners going into a hat and Perry explained the concept has gone down well with the players.

He added: "It gives this tournament a new dimension. I don't think it would work in every event because if you do well to get in the top four you need to be rewarded for that.

"But this is probably an ideal tournament to break my tournament drought.

"If you do get a bit of luck with the draw you can avoid the likes of Ronnie and John Higgins until later on, or maybe not even play them at all, whereas in other events you'll be up against them in the last 16 and quarter-final stages."