Canadian John Part believes retaining the Ladbrokes.com World Championship at Alexandra Palace would represent the greatest moment of his career.

Part, who beat Kirk Shepherd 7-2 12 months ago to secure his third world title, faces Bill Davis on Friday - and claims a successful defence of the crown would be a defining moment of his life as professional player.

"To retain the title would be probably my greatest achievement," he said.

"It's always an honour to win the world championship. But retaining the title is perhaps harder, and very few players have done that - so it would be special."

Part's victory last year made him the first to lift the title at the London venue, and he is glad to be back.

He added: "It's a great venue. I hadn't played in the Premier League for a couple of years - and that's where a lot of these bigger venues came from, including 'Ally Pally'.

"So it was a bit new and big. But I adjusted quickly enough, and I enjoyed the giant banners they had on the wall of us former champions.

"It's something to look at when things aren't quite going your way to remind you who you're supposed to be.

"But the whole Alexandra Palace experience was enjoyable. The backstage facilities are ideal for us; the fans seem to enjoy it, and I'm unbeaten there - which makes it even better for me."

Part expects a tough challenge against American Davis, who is from Philadelphia.

"I've known Bill for many years. He's used to a shorter format in America, so this may suit me. But he's got plenty of experience on stage in the last couple of years and will be a challenge.

"I know he can play well, and he'll probably be more comfortable playing me because I'm a player he knows well.

"He'll be comfortable sharing the stage with me rather than an English player, or someone he doesn't know as well as me."