Recent first-time title winner Ricky Walden is hoping to take his flying form into the Grand Prix in Glasgow, which starts on Saturday.
Newest ranking event winner hoping for good form to continue
Recent first-time title winner Ricky Walden is hoping to take his flying form into the Grand Prix in Glasgow, which starts on Saturday.
Walden upset the odds when coming from behind to beat world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-8 to win the Shanghai Masters on Sunday.
The 25-year-old recorded his maiden ranking event success in the process having never previously been beyond the quarter-finals.
Flintshire potter Walden returned to a heroes' welcome from his friends and family on Monday, but he has to quickly get back in tournament mode with the Grand Prix starting at the weekend.
Exactly a week after the biggest moment in his career Walden will be back in competitive action as he takes on Welshman Ryan Day in the first round of the Grand Prix.
Confidence
Although he would prefer a proper celebration, Walden is happy such a big tournament comes so soon as he hopes to ride the confidence of winning in Shanghai to have a big Grand Prix challenge.
"In a way I wish I had longer to celebrate," said Walden.
"But on the other hand I want to take advantage of the confidence I've got now, so it's great to have another tournament straight away.
"I've proved I'm a winner now, so my immediate aim is to win another one.
"There are so many good player so that won't be easy, but if I can start getting to quarter and semi-finals regularly then I know I'm good enough to go on to win more tournaments."
World number 35 Walden has been a frustrated man over the past few years as he has struggled to make the impact many expected for a man with his talent.
Potential
"It had been on my mind for a few years that I wasn't fulfilling my potential," he added.
"But the standard is so high that it's difficult to climb the rankings quickly.
"And you have to get used to playing at the venues, especially on the TV tables."
Walden will rise up the rankings though after his Shanghai victory and a good Grand Prix will further enhance his growing reputation.
Day will provide a tough opening test in Glasgow though, in what will be a first competitive meeting between the two.
"Ryan is another player who has come on massively in the last couple of years so it's a very tough game," Walden said.
"I got to the last 16 of this tournament last year and I enjoy playing in Scotland - hopefully there will be a good atmosphere and a good crowd for the match."
