Judd Trump knows there is little margin for error at the top of snooker as he targets a second successive tournament victory.

Trump won the Northern Ireland Open last month and booked his place in the last 16 of the UK Championship with a 6-2 success over Mark King.

The Bristolian admitted he was feeling the strain at trying to maintain his winning streak and feels he needs to play with more freedom if he is to get back to his best and maximise his chance of success at the Barbican.

“I’ve been a bit up and down – it’s been the same in every game so far, there’s been some good spells and bad spells,” he said.

“I’m maybe trying a bit too hard at times, it’s always tough when you’ve won so many games in a row – you start to look over your shoulder a bit and try not to lose rather than win.

“I’m very happy to still be in the tournament but I need to go back to playing with a bit more freedom and enjoy it again.

“I’m nit-picking, but if I’m going to win this title I’m going to have to play near perfect snooker.”

Watch the Snooker UK Championship LIVE on Eurosport and Eurosport Player with analysis from Jimmy White and Neal Foulds