Stevens always saves his best for Sheffield

"I'm not in good shape," he admits, "I've had a terrible season and only reached one quarter-final.

"I haven't got a clue why things have been going so badly - I practice hard every day."

But the Carmarthen cue-er has a remarkable record at the Crucible. In the last three seasons he has reached one final and two semi-finals, losing out on each occasion by the narrowest of margins.

Player profiles: Matthew Stevens

"I usually produce my best form at the World Championships so hopefully this year will be the same," he said.

Stevens plays his first game against Chris Small on Tuesday, a first-round encounter that he says is the toughest he could have had.

"He's a slow player and that can disrupt you, but he's also in great form."

Stevens says that all the preparation work for the game has been done, though.

"You do the hard work before you get to Sheffield, when I arrive I'll just relax and watch a few games.

"Mentally, it's a long haul, especially in the last few days. I enjoy competing there and the longer matches suit me.

"Hopefully I can go that stage further this season."