Selby eyes world title

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Selby became only the third qualifier to reach a Crucible final 12 months ago, eventually losing 18-13 to John Higgins, but the 24-year-old emphatically proved that was no fluke by winning the Masters on his Wembley debut in January and then claiming the Welsh Open a month later.

"To get to the World Championship final as soon as I did was a little bit of a shock to me but it's given me the self-belief I needed and I seem to have kicked on from that," he said. "Winning the world title is definitely top of my list and to stay in the top 16 for the rest of my career from now on. I'd like to get to world number one as well."

Less than two years ago, Selby was battling simply to qualify for tournaments in the less than glamorous surroundings of north Wales.

Now he finds himself relishing a return to the Crucible, a far more intimate venue than the "cubicles" of Pontin's in Prestatyn.

"It's like just playing back at your club," said Selby, who takes on Mark King in the opening round in Sheffield.

"There are eight tables in all, each cubicle holds 20 people and normally there is nobody watching. Most of the time it's just your manager and your opponent's manager watching.

"It is a bit depressing but it's something you have to play with and get through it.

"In contrast, no matter what you've achieved at the Crucible, it's still a daunting prospect. As well as being exciting, it's obviously a little nerve-wracking as well, but it's something I'm looking forward to."