Mark Davis holds no fear at facing snooker great and world number three Stephen Hendry in the Embassy World Championship first round today.

Davis, from St Leonards-on-Sea, convincingly beat world number four Ronnie O'Sullivan earlier this month in the Regal Scottish Open 5-1.

But he admits playing Hendry is not going to be easy - 74 places separate the pair in the world rankings.

The 27-year-old qualifier said: "I admit I'm going to struggle if he plays well.

"But I always say it's what you do on the day that matters. I'll be raising my game on this stage and I'm used to playing all the world-class players."

Davis played Hendry in the 1993 Dubai Classic, going down 5-1.

But he is not afraid of the seven-times world title holder.

"I know it will be difficult because of all the things he has done in the game. All you can do is play the best you can and hope that he does not. I might be in with a chance if he is not performing - you never know what can happen.

"This is the ultimate tournament for me and I am playing well. I started off the season very badly but have picked up since then and am playing well."

The Sussex professional made it through to the quarter-finals of the Regal Scottish Open, losing to Ken Doherty 5-3.

And he is looking forward to playing at the famous Crucible in Sheffield.

"Playing at the Crucible is always a special occasion. The tables are so close together and the crowd so close to the tables.

"I can understand why players who haven't played here before would be intimidated. I've been here four times now in the last eight years so it doesn't worry me anymore."

The pair play the first session of their best-of-19 frames match tonight and finish off tomorrow evening with Paul Hunter awaiting the winner.