Welsh veteran Matthew Stevens secured his place at the Crucible by edging former champion Stuart Bingham 10-7 in the World Snooker Championship qualifiers. The 48‑year‑old admits he now practices only sporadically, joking that his home set‑up is a coffee‑table replica rather than a professional rack. Yet the win proves the former world champion can still grind out tight frames when it matters.

Stevens describes a love‑hate relationship with the Crucible, recalling defeats in the 2000 and 2005 finals that left lasting scars. He last graced the venue in 2022, adding that he prefers to sidestep veterans like Ronnie O’Sullivan and Mark Williams, as well as rising Chinese star Zhao Xintong, hoping for a deeper run and hopes to rewrite those memories.

Even with six months of limited play, Stevens insists his game clicks at the sport’s marquee event. “I can still play decent now and again,” he says, noting the World Championship tends to bring out his best. His modest preparation will be tested against the field, but the veteran believes a respectable showing remains within reach. A win against a lower‑ranked opponent would cement his belief, while an early exit would underline the toll of his relaxed routine.