WELSH number one Ryan Day is battling to recover his best form ahead of the world championships at the Crucible.
“My form going into Sheffield is so-so,” said the 30-year-old from Pontycymer, who starts against Mark Davis on Tuesday, April 20.
“I had a good first round win at the China Open, beating Robert Milkins 5-1, but then didn’t sleep well before my second round game and felt flat at the start of the match.”
After that 5-0 defeat to Stephen Hendry it was back to the practice tables for the Welshman but he’s confident he’s in good shpe for the biggest competition of the year.
“I’ve still got 10 days before I play at the Crucible and my form in practice is good so I will go there with some confidence,” he said.
“I enjoy playing there because there are always good crowds.
“I’ve got Mark Davis in the first round and he’s had a very good season, he’s pushing for the top 32.
“He’s won a lot of matches this season and winning is a habit, so it’s one of the toughest draws I could have got, but I just need to worry about my own game and not think about him.
“I’ve been in the top eight in the rankings for the last couple of seasons and I hope I stay in there,” he added.
“But I wouldn’t consider it a backwards step if I dropped out, I wouldn’t be that worried about it.”
The Argus have got a pair of tickets up for grabs to see Ryan Day’s first round match against Mark Davis.
The tickets are for ALL SESSIONS on Tuesday, April 20, and Wednesday, April 21, with many other star players in action on those two days including Ronnie O’Sullivan and Steve Davis.
For a chance to win, just answer this easy question: Who was the last Welsh player to win the World Snooker Championship? a) Ray Reardon, b) Terry Griffiths, c) Mark Williams Email your answer to competitions@worldsnooker.com by April 13. The tournament runs from April 17 to May 3. To buy tickets call 0114 249 6006 or visit www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
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