Gunnell eyes Crucible first

Shropshire snooker star Adrian Gunnell begins his annual assault on the World Championships at Prestatyn tomorrow.

Gunnell takes on Welshman Ian Preece in the penultimate qualifying round, knowing victory would take him within one game - which would be played in March - of reaching the famous Crucible Theatre for the first time.

Preece set up the best-of-19-frame meeting with Gunnell by defeating Alex Davies 10-9 yesterday, after earlier leading 8-2.