Davis relishing Crucible return

Steve Davis makes his first appearance as a player at the Crucible for three years on Monday when he takes on Stephen Lee in one of the top first round matches at this year's £1.7m Embassy World Championship.

Davis failed to qualify for the televised stages of snooker's blue riband event in 2001 and 2002 but secured a return this year thanks to a 10-8 defeat of Ryan Day in his qualifier in Torquay in March.

"It's great to be back. You never know when it's going to be your last time at the Crucible," he was quoted as saying. "To go to Sheffield as a player is so special. This means a lot to me."

Davis dominated at Sheffield in the 1980s, capturing his sixth title with a resounding 18-3 defeat of John Parrott in 1989.

This season has brought a renaissance for Davis and he is sure to break back into snooker's elite top 16. However, he admits that he was physically drained by his marathon qualifier against Day and surely even his staunchest fan would admit that his chances of equalling Stephen Hendry's record of seven world titles are slim.

Also on Monday, Alan McM-anus takes on Nigel Bond in a battle between two Crucible stalwarts. Malta professional Tony Drago is also through to the opening round at the Crucible after eliminating Englishman Andy Hicks 10-2 in the qualifier last month in Torquay.

Drago was drawn to meet Joe Swail. The match starts on Tuesday with the second session scheduled for the following day.