ROSS Muir says he is returning to the top table of snooker as a better player after winning the European Championships.

The Musselburgh potter won nine matches last week before defeating fellow Scotsman Michael Collumb in the final in Malta to secure his professional tour card.

Muir was previously on the tour from 2013 to 2018 and has now set himself a target of climbing the world rankings during the initial two years’ membership.

The new campaign gets under way this summer and Muir was already looking forward to mixing it with the sport’s best.

He said: “During the six years I first had the tour card, that on its own was a great achievement.

“Being on the tour for six years in a row – it takes a lot to do that but I don’t think the player I was then is the same player as now.

“Now, I am much stronger in each department.

“I have got a better snooker brain.

East Lothian Courier: Ross Muir will be lining up alongside the best in the world next season after winning the European ChampionshipsRoss Muir will be lining up alongside the best in the world next season after winning the European Championships

“I am better at playing snooker in a high percentage way.

“I am certainly going back onto the tour this time knowing I am a lot more competitive from the off.

“I think over the course of the two years, getting into the top 64 is a very realistic goal.”

It had been an impressive season for Muir before he ventured to the Mediterranean for the prestigious championships.

He led the Q Tour series until the very last match, when he was defeated by Martin O’Donnell, who secured his tour card. Then, he lost out in the semi-finals of the Q Tour play-off to Ashley Carty, who also secured his tour card.

In Malta, he defeated opponents from Portugal, Armenia, Spain and the host country to top his group.

Victories over rivals from Germany, England, Finland and Israel then set up the contest with 34-year-old Collumb.

A 5-1 win was enough to give Muir victory and ensure that Scotland won three out of the four events – under-16s, under-21s and men’s.

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He said: “I felt like every door that was being banged on was so close to opening.

“I am glad I finally opened it.

“Three times this season alone, I have been within one match of turning professional.

“I am glad I did it on the fourth time.”

Despite the success in Malta, Muir’s campaign is not yet over as he has national competitions to play.

He is also hoping to reach the finals of the World Championships – which take place next month at The Crucible Theatre in Sheffield – for the first time.

The former Musselburgh Grammar School pupil said: “It is four qualifying rounds to get to the Crucible and the best of 19 frames.

“That is definitely a goal.

“I want to qualify for the Crucible this year and it was a goal I set myself early in the season.

“I will be giving it absolutely everything.”