SNOOKER star Ross Muir believes that a ranking title win could be a real possibility this season after reaching the last 16 at the English Open.

Muir came through four rounds before coming unstuck against 2010 world champion Neil Robertson, who went on to win the tournament in Brentwood.

The county sportsman felt that there were plenty of positives to take.

He said: “As a whole, it was a good tournament.

"I am a bit disappointed at how I lost to Neil Robertson, to be honest.

"I reckon I was three shots away from winning the match 4-1 and he has gone on to win the tournament.

“It is a crazy game and three shots could have been the difference – who knows, I could have been winning the tournament and not losing in the last 16.

“One of the most impressive things was I was in control of everything during that week.

"I was in control of how I was feeling, how I was playing and just total control over myself and most importantly on the table as well.”

Muir, of Musselburgh, had to come through qualifying to reach the main draw of the tournament.

That saw him receive a walkover win against Jonas Luz before knocking out David Lilley.

A 4-3 win over three-time ranking tournament winner Gary Wilson saw Muir come from 3-2 down before he ended the chances of Jamie Jones.

Twenty-eight-year-old Muir put his good run of form down to taking a positive mindset into the competition.

He said: “I was literally three balls away from beating Neil 4-1. That is the winner’s mentality and, if I can replicate that, I have a serious chance of winning a tournament this season.

“My practice partners and friends are saying that is the first time they have seen me being the winner, being the boss. It felt like nothing could have got on top of me out there.”

Practice partner John Higgins denied Muir a place in the second round of the British Open on Monday evening.

The four-time world champion was a 4-1 winner in Leicester but Muir was determined to take the positives and refocus ahead of attempting to qualify for the Northern Ireland Open, which takes place this weekend.

Speaking to Courier Sport as he travelled home from the tournaments, Muir said: “The busy time continues but I am delighted to get back home and spend some time with my dog Angus and partner.

"It has been a lot of time away from home recently but I am determined to keep pushing for results and that makes it all worthwhile.”