CRAIG Steadman admits he is fed up of his York Barbican hoodoo after suffering another first-round exit at the Betway UK Championship on Tuesday.

The Farnworth potter went down 6-5 to Scotland’s Anthony McGill, despite leading 3-0 and 5-3.

With Steadman just one frame away from victory, world number 18 McGill upped his game and reeled off breaks of 52, 67 and 104 to book his place in the second round.

The defeat is world number 111 Steadman's fourth consecutive first-round exit at the UK Championship as his search for an elusive first win rolls on – much to his increasing frustration.

“I don’t seem to win here,” said Steadman. “I think I’ve lost every match I’ve played at the Barbican – I can’t stand the place.

“It’s a good venue and looks like a good set-up, so it would be nice to go on a good run here one year, but it doesn’t seem to want me to stay around.

“I played all right really but I just couldn’t seem to land nicely to get that clearcut chance to close it out.

“I had a couple of fiddly little chances but he’s ridden his luck a tiny bit and the game ebbs and flows like that.

“He made a plant in the decider and went on to make a century, which sums it up really.

“Once he got it back to 3-3, I played pretty well but I’m just coming off a little bit numb.”

The loss to McGill is the latest in a frustrating season so far for Steadman as he has failed to get beyond the second round at any event.

The 32-year-old is largely content with his form and believes that a little more luck would see him turn a corner in terms of results.

“I’ve felt fine all season but I’m just looking to string a good run together in something,” added Steadman. “For one reason or another, it hasn’t happened.

“I’ve got to shoulder some of the blame myself but it seems like not very much is going my way.

“That’s what it feels like anyway, although I’m sure you look at it with blinkers on.

“I feel like I’m playing fine – just a couple of flicks and nudges there and I win 6-3 or maybe 6-4. But Anthony’s a top player, he never gave up and when he had his chances, he has taken them well.”

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