SNOOKER venues don't come "too much bigger" than the York Barbican, said potter Shaun Murphy as he prepares to launch his bid to claim the UK Championship.

The world number seven has already had the famous trophy on his mantelpiece, picking up the prize in Telford in 2008, and reached the final in the Minster city two years ago when narrowly falling to Mark Selby.

Pleased to see the 128-player competition return to York after doubts were expressed last year as to whether the Fishergate venue would continue to host the game's second biggest event, Murphy is hoping he can continue a run of form that, over the past 12 months, has brought three tournament wins and two 147 breaks.

"It was always going to be difficult trying to put all the players in at one venue," he said of the logistical challenges that have faced the Barbican. "You were never going to keep everyone happy. But snooker is changing. We can either get on with it and support the team that are running it or moan about it.

"I have chosen to support it and I really can't wait to get stuck in. In my personal opinion, all the players should be at every tournament - not just the UK. It has worked for all the Euro Tour events and it has worked for most of the ranking events.

"There are two or three that, down to contractual issues, haven't got that structure."

On the UK, where he will meet James Wattana in the opening round, Murphy added: "It's just a tournament I always look forward to. York is a great city. I love visiting it and it combines two of my favourite hobbies - snooker and walking round shopping with a couple of bags in my hands.

"I do a lot of my Christmas shopping in York and I can't wait to come back.

"Snooker players are funny people. Some like going back to certain venues. I am lucky that the big venues tend to be my favourites. They don't come too much bigger than at the Barbican. I have played well there over the years and it would be nice to play well there again this year."