Ronnie O’Sullivan will begin his hunt for a record seventh UK crown this week after his victory Shaun Murphy last year brought him level with the legendary Steve Davis.
The event is being staged at the York Barbican with the winner set to take home £170,000.
The Rocket is also nearing closer to another impressive feat – 1000 career centuries.
He is currently on 978, just 22 shy of the mark, and has promised when the time comes to make it “special” for his fans.
“I will make sure it’s at a proper event,” O’Sullivan said.
“I won’t make it at an event where it’s one man and his dog in Barnsley or Preston — or even a stinking old leisure centre!
“I will time it for a proper event and make it special for my fans. I do everything for my fans.
“I might get to 999 and then let people wait until I feel like the event is appropriate to have it.
“When the records come, they are nice. But it’s not the be-all and end-all of my life.”
When is Ronnie O’Sullivan playing at the UK Championship?
O’Sullivan will face Luke Simmonds in the opening round.
Simmonds has never ranked above 94th in the world, but won enough matches at Q School earlier this year to earn a place at certain ranking events.
The match will take place tomorrow (Thursday) at 2.30pm GMT.
Fans will be able to stream the action via the Eurosport Player.
Some betting companies will also be streaming the game for free on their platforms.