Dott ready for Crucible test

Graeme Dott may have history against him when he returns to Sheffield to defend his World Championship title today.

But records are there to be broken and Dott would certainly love to become the only first time champion to retain the trophy the following year - thus ending the famous Curse of the Crucible.

"Is there a curse?" Dott laughed when facing the media, less than 24 hours before beginning his defence against Lancashire left-hander Ian McCulloch.

"It's such a tough tournament to win. If it was that easy there would be more names on the trophy.

"To win it once is great; to try and win it twice is going to be really hard.

"I think the fact I know I am a better player now than I was then, gives me a better chance.

"And I would imagine some players who have won it before maybe expected to win it again when they went back.

"I know I can win it but I don't come here expecting to win it. I am good enough, but I could easily lose in the first round."

Dott, the provisional world no. 1, has enjoyed a 12-month reign filled with highs and very sad lows.

The death of his father-in-law and former manager Alex Lambie in December and a cancer scare for wife Elaine in January were the definite lows.

His victory over Jamie Cope in Beijing and a run to the Maplin UK Championship semi-finals were the highs.

Whatever happens during the coming 17 days no one can take away his 18-14 victory over Peter Ebdon last May.

Dott faces a tricky opening hurdle against Preston potter McCulloch. It's a repeat of their 2005 first round meeting which Dott lost 10-9.

"It could have been easier for me but then again I could have had it tougher as well," he added.

"It just means I have plenty of motivation to get off to a winning start."

Playing today: 11 a.m. Dott vs McCulloch; Ebdon vs Bond; 3.30 p.m. Hamilton vs Fu; Stevens vs Delaney; 8 p.m. Dott vs McCulloch; Davis vs Parrott.