The Musselburgh potter qualified for the World Open last Wednesday by facing four-time world champion John Higgins. Then, the following day, he faced seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry to secure a place in the Welsh Open.
In Barnsley, Higgins defeated Muir 5-1, demonstrating his strength, and Muir then turned the tables on Hendry to win 4-2.
“It was an amazing experience playing against two of the greatest Scottish players of all time,” Muir remarked.
Since I have been working on a couple technical aspects lately and they have not quite clicked for those games, I don’t think I ever really fared that well overall.
The two games were a fantastic experience to play.
Ross Muir prepared for the task of John Higgins and Stephen Hendry
“It was a beautiful thing to have done as a child, idolizing both guys.”
In terms of outcomes, I was not pleased with the decision against John.
“I had several opportunities, but I didn’t fully seize them.
“Even though we played far worse than we did against Stephen, any victory these days is a wonderful victory.”
“I am now focusing on a number of performance-related things that I have taken on before the Welsh Open main event.”
Since they have recently partnered on practice sessions on a regular basis, Muir and Higgins are well acquainted.
The former student at Musselburgh Grammar School, who won the world championship in 1998, 2007, 2009, and 2011, was highly praised by the former student.
Musselburgh Grammar School,: Ross Muir’s victory at the European Championships secures his spot on the tour
He observed the 48-year-old’s professionalism and drive on the training field as well as the competitive circuit.
Muir stated, “It can be tough because you know exactly what their abilities are,” in a Monday speech.
Since you always know what to expect and how strong John is, I can say that there aren’t really any flaws with him.
“Anytime you get an opportunity, you always know it will be difficult.
“When I exercised with him yesterday, he maintained his recent excellent performance!
“He’s a fantastic footballer and a really kind man.”
“Over the past year or two, we have been practicing together more frequently. He has been sharing things with me.”
“He is a wonderful man who deserves all of his accomplishments.
He puts a lot of effort into his game, and I think it has affected me in some way.
“It has helped me realize where I need to be in order to go forward.
“I’m behind him by two or three on that front.”
In Barnsley, Muir and Hendry split the first four frames before the county sportsman won the next two to advance.
A second-round matchup with Matthew Selt of England in Llandudno later this month is scheduled as a result of the victory.
The 28-year-old was eager to emphasize that, in his match against Hendry, who last won the world title in 1999, he was far from at his best.
“Take nothing away; he is still a good player,” he said in an interview with Courier Sport, despite his lackluster performance.
“He still has the ability to seize openings and score well.
“Even though he won two frames in the match, it’s still a solid victory because it wasn’t an easy one.
“He is still performing at a very high level.”
Meanwhile, Higgins and Hendry are acting out a scene in Haddington!
On March 26, “An Evening with Snooker Greats: Clash of the Titans” will take place at the Corn Exchange. Dennis Taylor, the 1985 world champion, will serve as the referee.
The players will participate in a Q&A after heading to the green baize.
