Snooker star Matthew Stevens hopes to build on his recent upturn in form at the 888真人Welsh Open, which starts on Monday in Newport.
Stevens reached the quarter-finals of last week's German Masters, beating Craig Steadman and Neil Robertson in Berlin before losing to Ronnie O'Sullivan.
And the World No 14 from Carmarthen is determined to go at least as far at the Newport Centre in the world ranking event, which runs from February 13-19.
"I was really pleased with the way I played in Germany, especially to beat Neil Robertson 5-1 as he has been one of the best players in the world over the last few months," said former World and UK Champion Stevens. "I think that shows I can still beat anyone when I'm playing well.
"I was 3-1 up on Ronnie in the quarters but missed a couple of balls and he came back to win 5-3. That was disappointing but Ronnie is so good and he reels off frames in no time. I'm really looking forward to the Welsh now."
The seeding cut-off point for the World Championship falls just after the event in Newport, and Stevens hopes he has already done enough to ensure his top 16 place, which would give him an automatic spot at the Crucible in April.
"It's not guaranteed yet but it's almost certain, and if I win my first match there will be no doubt, so it's in my own hands," added the 34-year-old. "I have had to qualify for the Crucible for the last few years and it can be horrible. It's such a tough match to play. Last year I beat Fergal O'Brien 10-9 on the final black and I wouldn't want to have to go through that again.
"It will be nice to know that I am guaranteed a place in Sheffield because it means I can look forward to the big one at the end of the season."
O'Sullivan went on to win the event in Germany and now also looks likely to keep his top 16 place, which Stevens believes is good for the sport. "The World Championship wouldn't be the same if Ronnie wasn't in it," added Stevens. "He was 4-0 down to Andrew Higginson in the first round last week but came back to win and showed how good he is."
Stevens plays his opening match in the 888真人Welsh Open next Wednesday afternoon (not before 2pm). TICKETS FOR THE TOURNAMENT ARE ON SALE NOW and day tickets start at just £12 - incredible value! BOOK NOW by calling 01633 656757 or visiting www.worldsnooker.com/tickets
Also competing for the title will be the likes of O'Sullivan, Robertson, Judd Trump, John Higgins, Mark Selby and home favourites Mark Williams, Ryan Day and Dominic Dale.