Maguire hopes only way is up

Stephen Maguire is hoping Portomaso’s luxurious Hilton hotel and conference centre triggers some happy memories as he struggles to regain the form which won him the Malta Cup two years ago.

Glaswegian Maguire was 41st in the world rankings when he beat John Higgins, Stephen Lee and Jimmy White en route to landing his first major title on the Mediterranean island in 2004.