WORLD number one Mark Selby believes snooker has not suffered in Ronnie O'Sullivan's absence - and says it is anyone's guess who will win the UK Championship at the York Barbican.

The 2012 champion in the Minster city, who reached the final 12 months later, starts this year's challenge against amateur Joe O'Connor on Thursday afternoon.

With the Rocket having failed to enter the tournament, as his sabbatical from competitive snooker continues, Selby is the third favourite for the game's second biggest prize and the 32-year-old doesn't believe the event is any poorer for O'Sullivan's decision not to participate.

"Don't get me wrong. Ronnie O'Sullivan does bring a lot to the tournament," Selby said. "But people forget that snooker still carries on. It has not suffered (in his absence), I don't think. It is better winning if he is in it - it feels better for yourself - and as far as the BBC and people watching are concerned they would prefer to have Ronnie in it.

"But snooker carries on. You see Neil Robertson at the Champion of Champions and that is the first competition he was won for 12 months. It shows how difficult the game is."

On his own prospects for another UK crown, Selby added: "It would be nice. I am not saying I am going there and winning it again but I am going there confident of winning. Whether I do is a different thing. A lot of the top players are at the top of their game at the moment.

"It is not just one person dominating the season going into the UK. Neil and John (Higgins) are playing well, I feel I am coming into form at the right time. There's Shaun Murphy, Mark Williams and numerous other players. You can't pick a winner or put a favourite on it."