Dott: I'll be in Sheffield

Scotland's Graeme Dott has confirmed he will play at the World Snooker Championship despite suffering from depression.

The 2006 champion has lost his last 15 matches and has experienced several personal traumas, including the death of his father-in-law, who was also his manager, in the last 18 months. Dott's wife also had a cancer scare before receiving the all-clear.

But he will be at the Crucible for his opening match against Joe Perry, and said: "I have changed my mind because I thought it would just be too hard for me not to play."

Dott is being treated for his depression and believes his health is improving.

He explained: "I'm certainly a lot better than I was. There has been a massive change, although I am still a long way off from being okay and my form is a long way off from being good."