John Higgins believes home support can help him write a piece of snooker history as he goes for an unprecedented fifth Grand Prix title in Glasgow.

Currently Higgins is tied with fellow Scot Stephen Hendry and Steve Davis on four titles apiece but that could all change at Kelvin Hall this week.

But defending champion Higgins, who defeat Ryan Day 9-7 in last year’s final, isn’t taking anything for granted when he faces qualifier Mark Joyce first up.

“Every title is special but to win a fifth Grand Prix would be amazing,” he said. “It's a great tournament, I know all the Scottish players look forward to it.

“It's always a great feeling going back to a tournament as defending champion, it's extra special for me it's in Scotland.

“I’ve got lots of fond memories of last season when I won in Glasgow.

“On paper I'm the favourite but Mark's a good player and I'll need to be on my game to beat him.”

Meanwhile Glasgow's Stephen Maguire insists his focus is solely on the baize at the Glasgow Grand Prix as he bids to avoid another embarrassing first-round exit.

Playing against veteran Nigel Bond this Tuesday, Maguire is still haunted by his shock 5-1 defeat to youngster Jamie Cope last year.

The 28-year-old puts that loss down to outside distractions but vowed to  use that embarrassment as his driving force this time around.

He said: “I didn't prepare properly for the event. I was rushing around getting tickets for people rather than focusing on my snooker. This time it will be different.

“I was really angry at myself for going out in the first round last year. I didn't get time to enjoy it.

“I didn't handle the pressure of playing in front of my home crowd and to be honest my performance was embarrassing.

“It's brilliant that the Grand Prix is coming back to Glasgow, I'm really looking forward to giving it a really good go this time.”