Mark Davis is keeping his fingers crossed he avoids Ronnie O'Sullivan when the first round draw for the World Championships is made today (1pm).

Davis booked his place at the Crucible next month after winning ten consecutive frames against Gerard Greene to seal a 10-2 victory in the final qualifying round on Saturday.

It will be the fifth time the 35-year-old from St Leonards has reached the final stages of the biggest event in the snooker calendar but will be his first appearance for seven years.

He has only progressed past the first round once, when he beat Ken Doherty in 1995, but Davis is hopeful of improving on that record if he can avoid an encounter with the world No.1 in the opening round.

Davis said: "Some people say they would like to play Ronnie as it ensures they will get a lot of TV coverage but not me.

"I definitely want to avoid him because he is the best player in the world and there is no harder draw.

"Apart from that I don't mind who I get because you know you are going to be up against someone good because it is the World Championships.

"It is always tough getting through the first round but if I can do that then who knows what could happen?

"I'm playing pretty well at the moment and if I get a bit of luck then I've got a chance of doing well.

"It's been a while since I've played at the Crucible and I'm really looking forward to going back.

"It is where everyone wants to play and is a good reward after a couple of lean years."