Mixed feelings for Maguire

Maguire: Former China champ

So it's kind of like a stepping stone for the World Championship. If you win, it's great, if you get to the final, it's great, but the World Championship is the one you want to be prepared for.

Stephen Maguire
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Stephen Maguire has mixed feelings heading into the China Open, claiming winning the tournament two years ago affected his World Championship performance at the Crucible.

Scottish potter Maguire tasted glory in China in 2008, but felt that going all the way in that event left him drained for the big tournament at the Crucible.

Maguire made a 147 in China before going on to edge a thrilling final 10-9 against Shaun Murphy, and he carried that form into the Crucible with flying starts in his first two matches.

However, he lost in the quarter-finals in a thrilling 13-12 reverse against Joe Perry, and Maguire says that his exploits in China left him with nothing in the tank.

"A couple of years ago I won the China Open, and it was at the same time of the year," said Maguire.

Tough time

"When I came back from China - and I had five tough matches over there - I only had 10 days to prepare for the Crucible. I started off okay but I felt drained.

"China is a long, long flight, it takes a bit to get over it, especially when you're over there for 10 days.

"So it's kind of like a stepping stone for the World Championship. If you win, it's great, if you get to the final, it's great, but the World Championship is the one you want to be prepared for."

The world number two will now head to China with mixed emotions, as he wants to do well but will not be too unhappy with an earlier exit, as he is fully focused on the World Championship starting in Sheffield on April 17.

Maguire plays Barry Hawkins in the first round in Beijing, with a potential clash against Mark Allen or fellow Scot Graeme Dott to follow.

The 29-year-old, who recently saw world champion John Higgins join his base at Glasgow's Q Club, added: "It's an important tournament but it's nowhere near what the World Championship is.

"Basically it's a case of going to China, trying your hardest but not sweating any blood if you don't win it.

"Then when I come back from China it will be straight into practising for five or six hours every day, hopefully against John, and then being match-sharp for the Crucible."