Steve Davis believes Neil Robertson is ready to become Australia's first world snooker champion of the modern era.

Australian Horace Lindrum won the title in 1952 when, amid a dispute between governing bodies, the top stars competed in a world matchplay event.

Robertson would have to beat the biggest names in the game to achieve the feat at The Crucible this year and six time-champion Davis believes the 27-year-old can do just that.

After being crushed 10-2 by Robertson in the first round yesterday, Davis said: "If he improves as the tournament goes on, he can win it. He's got a fantastically strong cue action that can probably withstand a bit of pressure as well, and he looks in good nick, but the trouble is that so do a lot of players."

Davis is impressed that Robertson, who now faces last year's runner-up Ali Carter, has a positive approach. The Englishman said: "I know you can't win it playing a defensive game."