Fri Jan 29 09:45AM

There is no rest for the wicked and I was straight back to the practice table after the Masters. I got home on the Monday and spent the day recovering but was back to it first thing on Tuesday.

I am now up in Newport for the Welsh Open and played Judd Trump in my first round match on Wednesday. You never want to go out in the first round of a tournament and this was no different.

Judd is a dangerous player who doesn't give much away so it was always going to be a tough match and I was pleased to win 5-2.

I am only 26 but have been on the tour for 10 years now and feel like a bit of a veteran - I can't argue with the experience I have had though. Judd is only 20 and he is going to be around for a long time yet, he is a great talent. 

The other players expect me to be the man to beat having just won the Masters but I don't put any pressure on myself. I am full of confidence and happy with my form on the back of winning a major event.

I have been coming to Newport for years, stretching all the way back to when I had to go through the qualifying tournament, and have good memories of the place.

I won the Welsh Open two years ago having also won the Masters and to claim back-to-back victories again would be great.

But it is all about the ranking points and it is important to get them under my belt now. If I went out in the first round here then my top 16 status would have been be a bit dodgy.

While my success at Wembley was fantastic, it is clear to me that the Masters does not mean as much as ranking tournaments as the last thing I want to do is fall out of the top 16. I need to take one match at a time in order to concentrate on winning ranking events.

But my game is in good shape, no doubt about that, and I know I am capable of beating anyone and winning any tournament.

We are heading into the business end of the season now and everyone's eyes will start turning to the World Championships - that is the big one.

The game is in good health so most players will start finding a bit of form and I will be raring to go come April.