FARNWORTH snooker star Craig Steadman will have a bittersweet taste in his mouth when he sits down to watch this weekend’s UK Championships.

The 27-year-old was one victory away from playing against the top 32 in the world on the BBC after reaching the final round of qualifying, but his performances suggest it will not be too long before he is gracing the nation’s screens.

In his first season of the professional tour, Steadman is rapidly rising up the rankings and his three victories in the qualifying rounds of the UK Championships should see him rocket into the top 64 in the world.

He beat Andrew Norman (9-5), Barry Pinches (9-7) and Marcus Campbell (9-8) before seeing his dream dashed by former world champion Graeme Dott (9-5) in the final round.

“I am disappointed not to get through to the television stages but I did really well to get so far,” said Steadman.

“If somebody had said I’d reach the fourth round of qualifying, I would have taken that at the start of the week.

“There are more ranking points available in this tournament than most of the others.”

Steadman was the underdog in each one of his matches, and he revelled in causing some upsets.

“Once I won my first game I felt the pressure release,” he said. “Beating Marcus Campbell was particularly good because he has not lost in qualifying all season and scored a 147 in the Bahrain Championships.

“I just tried to stay on the coat-tails of these players, and I seemed to save all my best snooker for the final few frames.

“I was behind in all of my games, but I showed real character to bounce back.

“There have been question marks over my temperament in the past but I think there are signs of improvement now.

“In the past, when I have lost big frames on the black I have dwelled on it and it has affected me later in the game. I have tried to correct that.

“Some of the players said I am getting a reputation as a grinder, but I am happy with that. I will play until midnight if it means I win.”

Steadman will now travel to Eindhoven after receiving an invitation to play at the Dutch Open, before the Welsh Open starts on January 19. The China Open follows in February before the World Championships in March.