Wed Mar 17 12:35PM

To be drawn against former champion Ken Doherty in the first round of the World Championship was extremely tough, but we play snooker for these kind of encounters on the biggest stage.

My first reaction was one of frustration at being handed such a tough start to the competition, but it is also very exciting to be involved in the tie of the round.

Part of me wishes that my first-round match was an easy match-up against a qualifier or a newcomer, but you have to embrace the draw as it is.

It really could not be a tougher start for me against Ken, and as a former world champion he is adept at performing at the Crucible and raising his game for the big stage.

My mindset is one of looking to win the tournament, and you therefore accept that you will have to defeat the best players in the world to do so.

A positive in the situation is that my level of play will have to be at its highest possible point to overcome Doherty, and that should stand me in good stead if I can advance beyond the first hurdle.

I am obviously aware that Ronnie O'Sullivan lies in my quarter of the draw too, but that is two matches down the line and I cannot afford to be looking that far ahead at this point.

It is no guarantee that Ronnie will sweep aside Liang Wenbo in his first-round match, and I expect the Chinese player to provide a very stern challenge.

Liang is certainly capable of springing a surprise in that match, and Ronnie and I cannot be remotely complacent about potentially facing each other later in the tournament.

Meanwhile, many of the players are rooting for Steve Davis, who will be playing at the Crucible for the 30th time this year.

It is great for the game that Davis is still on the scene and playing well, and he is still able to give the best players in the world a real challenge.

Mark King is the first-round opponent for Davis, and John Higgins lies in wait if he can win that match: it is going to be very tough, but you cannot rule him out.

I am full of confidence as I prepare for Sheffield, and I cannot wait to get going and hopefully make a strong run in the championships.

Of course, I am setting my sights firmly on winning the competition, and I believe I can do it if I play to the best of my ability.

We will have to see how things develop for me at the Crucible, but if I can make a strong start then anything is possible. I am fully energised and ready to get going.

"Don't you think players who have achieved everything in the game should just retire in good grace?" Log on to Eurosport Yahoo! on Friday when Mark answers that question and many more from the readers.