Restoring confidence and concentration will be the key for Shropshire’s Adrian Gunnell when he makes his first snooker appearance of 2009 tomorrow.

The 36-year-old from Telford has admitted he has been struggling for form in practice ahead of his quest to qualify for the China Open.

Now Gunnell is hoping he receives a timely shot in the arm ahead of his match at Prestatyn tomorrow.

“I have been struggling in practice and my concentration hasn’t been good,” he said.

“It’s been a problem I have had for a couple of years and I don’t think I have played a match this season when my concentration hasn’t plummeted for at least a frame or two.

“It’s something I need to sort out because it’s getting me down and it can affect your confidence.

“When my concentration is good, I know my form is there so hopefully I can have some good practice ahead of tomorrow and it only needs one good performance to turn things around.”

Gunnell will have to wait until today to learn the identity of his opponent in tomorrow morning’s best-of-nine encounter – with Daniel Wells and Rod Lawler all battling to get through to face the Telford cueman.

Champion

A meeting with former world No 4 and UK Champion Matthew Stevens awaits the winner on Saturday for a place on the plane to China.

Ironically, Stevens is also Gunnell’s potential opponent in Welsh Open qualifying at the start of next month, making it a vital fortnight for the Shropshire professional.

“I’m provisionally ranked 32 at the moment and getting in the top 32 at the end of the season would be such a huge thing for me,” added Gunnell.

“Whether that’s putting any extra pressure on me I don’t know but a good run in these tournaments would be crucial.”

l Gunnell is on collision course for a third high-profile meeting with legend Steve Davis this season.

The pair will meet each other in the final qualifying round of the World Championships at the start of March, if Gunnell can win his first match against either Barry Pinches, Lee Spick or Stephen Craigie.

Six-times world champion Davis has won both previous encounters, 5-4 in the last 16 of the Royal London Watches Grand Prix and 9-7 in final qualifying for the UK Championship in Telford.

By JAMES GARRISON