Maguire in determined mood

Reigning champion Stephen Maguire began his defence of the Travis Perkins UK Championship in York with a polished win over Joe Swail.

The number one seed dismissed Swail 9-2 in their second round encounter to set up a meeting with Steve Davis in the last 16.

After closing out Saturday’s first session at 6-2, the Scot carried on where he left off, winning the first three frames of the second session to clinch the win.

“For the first four frames we were both playing pretty poorly,” said the 24-year-old.

“I was delighted to lead 3-1 halfway through the first session and from then on I thought I cued pretty well.

“Joe is on-form at the minute and has been playing well so to get a win over him is pleasing. To win 9-2 is brilliant and it’s a nice way to kick-start the tournament for me.”