By Richard Preen

World Ranking: 25
Date Of Birth: 22/08/57
Form: R16/R16/R32/R32/QF
World Championship best: Winner – 81,83,84,87,88,89

The `nugget' returns to the Crucible after a two-year absence. During the eighties and nineties his annual appearance at Sheffield was as guaranteed as mud at Glastonbury.

In last year's qualifiers he came unstuck 10-9 against Finland qualifier Robin Hull. It was a bitter pill for Davis although he did get to travel to Sheffield albeit in a punditry role for BBC television.

This year though Davis managed to successfully negotiate his qualifying match 10-8 against promising newcomer Ryan Day.

It was far from plain sailing for the six-times former champion as a comfortable 8-5 lead was wiped out by Day. Davis was again restricted to television work during the Crucible fortnight.

As it was Davis used all his years of experience to gain the final two frames and secure a place at the holy grail of snooker.

This season has been a revelation for Davis who has secured a semi-final place at the LG Cup and a quarter-final appearance at the Irish Masters.

In doing so, Davis has re-affirmed himself amongst the games elite sixteen players for next season's world ranking events.

This means he won't need to contend with the qualifying events next season although this has hardly been a problem after achieving a 100% record in his seven qualifying matches this term.

He has also enjoyed successes against members of this season's elite including Mark Williams, Stephen Lee, Paul Hunter, Jimmy White and Mark King.

Although a seventh world title win is unlikely, Davis will still relish the opportunity to lock horns with the game's best in his 21st Crucible appearance.