Davison starts road to Crucible (From Gazette & Herald)

Davison starts road to Crucible

PICKERING professional Paul Davison is back in action next Tuesday in the first qualifying stages of the World Championships, where double ranking points are up for grabs.

He faces former Main Tour player Pang Wei Guo in a best-of-nine frame match at Prestatyn. Davison must win a further three matches next week to reach the next qualifying stage, when Main Tour players enter the fray.

The 32-year-old is in a confident mood after reaching a final and semi-final in the first two events on the Challenge Tour to virtually cement his place on the Main Tour next season.

He said: "I've had some time off which has been great, but now I'm back at the table and the confidence is still there."

He believes the fact that he has ranking points in the bag already may work against his opponents.

"Other players could be a lot more bothered about getting ranking points, knowing they have to make them up on me. That could give me a pyschological edge," said Davison.

Not that he is in any mood to let up. "I'm really enjoying my snooker and want to finish number one on the tour and reach the Crucible."

Updated: 11:15 Wednesday, January 07, 2004