CHAMP DOTT'S CHINA CRISIS

By John King 15/04/2007

WORLD champion Graeme Dott's life flashed by him as the chair lift taking him towards the summit of the Great Wall of China shuddered to a halt.

For what seemed an eternity Dott, a Chinese interpreter and a friend, trembled as the chair lift swung from side to side on a windy afternoon high above terra firma.

Dott, 29, recalled: "The lift was at its highest point above ground level when it stopped and to say I was scared is an understatement. I looked down and it was certain death if any of us fell out as we were so high up.

"I suppose we were dangling up in the sky for only a very short time before the lift burst into life again but it seemed like an hour to me and was I glad when I was able to scramble out of it."

The drama over, Dott returned to Beijing where just a few days later he was crowned China Open champion.

That was just two weeks ago and in six days' time Dott returns to the Crucible Theatre in Sheffieldto defend the 888.com world championship he won last year.

Glaswegian Dott does so with his confidence even higher than that scary Great Wall chair lift.

He finds himself the provisional world No.1 helped by a season in which there have been no first round defeats in the six previous ranking events - though Dott is aware he has to overcome the Crucible curse to hold on to his crown.

Every player whose first world championship was captured at the Crucible has failed to retain the title the following year.

Dott added: "The world title is so hard to win and that's why there are so few names on the trophy, but the curse does not bother me at all.

"I will return with no more pressure on me than in the past and I certainly won't be going back expecting to win it again. However, if I can win a couple of games then I'm sure my opinion will change."

FOUR TO WATCH

shaun MURPHY

WINNER in 2005, he is capable of making another bold showing.

ronnie O'SULLIVAN

STARTS as the favourite again but will the real Rocket turn up this year?

ding JUNHU

IF he beats the Rocket in the first round he could win it.

peter EBDON

FIRED a 147 in practice. You'll dismiss the 2002 champion at your peril.

TOP OUTSIDERS

mark SELBY - Four last 16 finishes this season.

mark ALLEN - Former world amateur champion, he fears no one.