Paul's cancer battle dwarves event - Small

Published on Saturday 16 April 2005 12:07

CHRIS SMALL believes recent revelations about Paul Hunter’s battle against cancer will overshadow this year’s Embassy World Championship.

Small begins his Crucible campaign tomorrow against Shaun Murphy while Yorkshireman Hunter faces Michael Holt.

"When I read the news on Teletext I just stared at the screen for about two minutes," admits the Edinburgh professional. "I couldn’t take it in. I felt quite emotional. I lost my gran to cancer but I can’t imagine how Paul is feeling.

"He’s so young and such a great lad. From my point of view, it’s going to put a dampener on the world championship."

Small’s career has been blighted in recent seasons by the degenerative disease ankylosing spondylitis.

His last victory was more than 12 months ago and he could lose his place in the leading 32 world-ranked players if his slide continues.

"I probably need to win two games to stay in the 32," says current world No.12 Small.

On his Crucible clash he said:

"I actually feel quite good and have been working hard on a few things.

And it’s just a question of whether I remember what to do when the pressure is on."

Small, who made his Crucible debut in 1992, steps out from between the famous curtains tomorrow at 10am for his clash with Murphy.