Davis reveals Higgins inspiration

Steve Davis believes his landmark 30th appearance at the World Championship could be one to remember.

Davis produced a near-vintage performance to see off Adrian Gunnell 10-4 in the final round of qualifying on Sunday, and the 52-year-old revealed he has altered his cue grip to mimic the way Alex Higgins played in his pomp.

"I do like the thought of being able to go to the Crucible again and regardless of what happens the excitement of the build-up in the next month is brilliant," Davis said.

"I've got the agony of the draw and that's just an awful thing. I don't want to play any of them!

"If I play like I did there I can cause problems, but I haven't played like that at the Crucible for a long time.

"I changed my grip and I went back to a grip that Alex Higgins used to use, and all of a sudden it seemed to make a big difference to my game, and I continued with it. I was a lot more solid on the shot."

While Davis made progress, there was disappointment for two-time former finalist Matthew Stevens.

The 32-year-old Welshman crashed out 10-9 to 37-year-old Scotland's Marcus Campbell, failing for the second successive year to negotiate qualifying.

China's Liang Wenbo also qualified, beating Rod Lawler 10-2, while Ireland's Fergal O'Brien beat Scot Alan McManus 10-4.

Mark Davis also booked his place in the first round, winning against Dave Harold 10-7.