SNOOKER ace Matthew Stevens is looking forward to some home comforts as the BetVictor Welsh Open returns to Cardiff on February 16.

The former UK and Masters champion has won just five matches in the six main ranking events so far this season and slipped to 21st in the world.

If he's not ranked among the top 16 after April's China Open he'll have to win three matches to qualify for the final stages of the World Championship.

But the 37-year-old from Carmarthen, who was runner-up at the Crucible in 2000 and 2005, is confident of regaining form.

He said: “I have struggled in the first half of the season but it's all to play for now in the second half. I'm putting the work in and hitting the ball well so we'll see how it goes.

"I've just got to play and try to enjoy it and not worry about the rankings. What will be, will be.

“There's no point complaining about the format of events because if you're good enough you'll make it.”

Stevens will be among 128 players battling for his home title from February 16 to February 22 as the tournament returns to the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff after ten years in Newport.

“It will be great to go back to Cardiff,” he added. “We always had good crowds in Newport and I hope they will be even better at the new venue.”

Cwm potter Williams faces China’s Lyu Haotian, Newport’s Andrew Pagett takes on Rory McLeod, Dominic Dale is up against Michael Wasley.

Ronnie O'Sullivan will be defending the title while Judd Trump, Neil Robertson, Mark Selby, Shaun Murphy, John Higgins and Jimmy White will be among the other top stars in action.

O'Sullivan thrashed Ding Junhui 9-3 in last year’s final and capped a supreme display with a stunning 147 in the last frame.

The five-time world champion said: “That 147 against Ding is up among the high points of my career. I've watched it back on YouTube a few times since, particularly the last red which is one of the best shots I've ever played.

"I always liked the venue in Newport. But I understand the event needs to grow, and we need space for more tables and more players, and hopefully that will help create a great atmosphere.”

The final is sold out and tickets for all other sessions are selling fast so fans are strongly urged to book tickets now on 02920 22 44 88.