World champion Dott's wife in cancer scare

World snooker champion Graeme Dott's wife has suffered a cancer scare and the Scot may take a break from the sport.

Dott, beaten 6-2 by England's Stephen Lee in the opening round of the British Masters on Tuesday, said his mind was never on the game and he had come close to pulling out.

He told reporters: "If I wasn't world champion then I would not have played the game. But I thought people had paid good money so I had to.

"I had a phone call last night that was personal and I was given the decision to either go home or stay. If it doesn't get sorted then I may have to take a break from the sport. We will see."

A statement from the tournament organisers said: "Graeme Dott's wife Elaine had a routine scan for her early pregnancy which revealed a possible cyst or cancer.

"The test results will be known within the next couple of days. Dott wishes to thank all those who have given support and best wishes."

Dott, 29, won the world title in Sheffield last May, beating Peter Ebdon 18-14 in the final.

Ding through

Ding Junhui made it through to the last eight of the Masters at Wembley Arena on Tuesday night with a hard-fought 6-3 win over Peter Ebdon.

Ding fought back from two frames down leaving the match delicately balanced 2-2 at the interval before the Chinese 19-year-old punished Ebdon's poor potting after the break.

Ding, who scored a 147 maximum break on Sunday, will now face Lee tomorrow afternoon.