I’M RIGHT AT HOME
Crucible comfy for Dott as he reaches round two
BATTLING Scot Graeme Dott would pick playing at the Crucible over playing at his own house.
The gritty Glaswegian opened up his Betfred World Championship campaign with a 10-7 victory over two-time finalist Ali Carter yesterday.
The Scot, the 2006 victor in Sheffield, does not have the best record here but the biggest moments of his career have certainly come at snooker’s spiritual home.
Dott also reached the Final in 2004 and 2010.
He said: “If I was to play a money match home and away then I’d pick here.
“I always feel like I play well here and I’m not sure why. I absolutely love playing here.
“Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had nightmares as well where I can’t pot a ball.
“My season can be absolute garbage but when I come here I feel like a snooker player again. I’m comfortable here and that’s the main thing coming to the venue.”
The Pocket Dynamo was the weaker scorer, with only two 50-plus breaks, but never looked in any trouble as he deservedly progressed into the second round.
Dott will face either Barry Hawkins or Tom Ford next.
He added: “I’m really happy to get through.
“Even when Ali came back to 8-7 I felt comfortable which I didn’t expect.
“The only thing I didn’t do was score that heavily but I tried to attack the balls as best I could when it was necessary.”
The victory inflicted Carter’s first opening-round defeat on the biggest stage since 2006. And at times the Englishman felt Dott was playing like maverick Alex Higgins.
A frustrated Carter said: “It’s a bit like watching Alex play because you think he’s going to miss any moment and he just keeps knocking them in.
“Graeme’s a tough opponent and when he wins the scrappy frames he’s hard to beat.”
Meanwhile, Shaun Murphy will be looking for revenge over five-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan today. The last time the pair met at the Crucible the Rocket roared past 2005 winner Murphy 13-3.
There was a huge upset last night when world No.2 Judd Trump crashed 10-8 to fellow Englishman Rory McLeod who had to qualify.