Matthew Stevens takes time-out for a quick frame and chat

In a recent promotional event by World Snooker, players of all ages and abilities were given the chance to pit their wits against the former Masters champion and twice Crucible finalist.

Those who managed to amass 20 points in reply to Stevens won tickets to attend a first round match at the Newport Centre. A few duly did and were treated to some great snooker played in a terrific atmosphere with large crowds that were up 12% on last year.

Stevens started the tournament well, qualifying for the last 32 with a 5-4 win over Andy Hicks from 4-2 down, but lost out to Ding Junhui in the first round 5-3.

The 31-year-old is now turning his attention to the World Championships and is hoping a good run will help him back into the top 16 after he dropped out of the elite tier in 2007.

"They're all good players in the qualifiers and they are tough matches, which is why players like myself, Mark [Williams] and Ken Doherty have dropped out of the top 16", he said.

Stevens reached the final of this season's Bahrain Championship last November and the former world number four is in confident mood.

"It was a real confidence boost reaching the final of the Bahrain Championship. It means a lot to know I can still compete and get close to winning another tournament."

Not being in the top 16 meant Stevens missed out on the Masters at Wembley in January and he was forced to watch the tournament from home.

"I still like to watch snooker and particularly close finals. I enjoy watching Ronnie [O'Sullivan] play," Stevens said.

"It's probably only him in the game that can turn up with a new cue and win a tournament - that was unbelievable.

"I've only had one cue since I turned pro. I had this one for my 12th birthday so I've been playing with this for 19 years now."

On the subject of O'Sullivan's claim prior to the Masters that snooker was "dying", Stevens responded: "It would be nice to have more tournaments. Everybody wants more tournaments to play in".

"My aim now though is to have a good run in the World Championships to give myself a chance to get back in the top 16. There's still a lot of work to do but if I play well I don't see why I can't."