Yorkshire snooker star Paul Hunter said he is not too disheartened after suffering a shock defeat a week before he makes his bow in York in the Travis Perkins UK Championship.

The Leeds ace lost 5-3 to Rotherham-based Shaun Murphy in the second round of the British Open in Brighton last night. The UK Championships at York's Barbican Centre start on Monday.

"I won't get too disheartened," said Hunter. "These best-of-nine matches are a race and Shaun got there before me."

Extra seating has been made available for the UK semi-finals at final, with the Barbican Centre balcony being used, and some tickets are still available for both semis and the afternoon session for the final. Contact the Barbican Centre box office on 01904 656688.

Updated: 10:36 Thursday, November 11, 2004