Travis Perkins - UK Championships 2005

To win the World and UK titles in the same calendar year is a feat only achieved by an elite group of players. I see no reason why the current World Champion, Shaun Murphy, can't join that list. Looking at the draw, is two main rivals - in the bottom half, appears to be Ronnie O'Sullivan and Matthew Stevens, both previous winners, but to my mind neither showing the kind of form so far this season, to lead me to think they can overcome Murphy. The top half of the draw looks even more difficult to predict, but on what I have seen so far, it is hard to make a case for Stephen McGuire retaining his title. I think the safe bet is Higgins or Hendry to play the World Champion in the final.

I know a lot of people like to look for a bit of value, and a little interest on Ian McCulloch, might be rewarding. I must also make mention of a young man Mark Allen, I have heard great reports about this young man from Northern Ireland, he has to win a qualifier to get to the TV stage, but could just surprise a lot of people.