By Saj Chowdhury and Frank Keogh

Nottingham's Holt is relishing his Crucible debut

Michael Holt has insisted he will be focused on success when he faces old rival Paul Hunter in the World Snooker Championship first round.

Hunter is guaranteed massive public support as he plays on despite being diagnosed with cancer.

And Holt, who has known his opponent since their teenage years, told BBC Sport it does provide a dilemma.

"If I thought it would help his health in any way, I would lose on purpose, but it's not going to," he said.

Holt makes his Crucible debut when he faces the world number four in Sheffield on Sunday.

"I obviously wish him all the best, like all players will, but as far as the game's concerned, I've got to play it as normal," said Holt, who is ranked 29.

Both Hunter and Holt are aged 26 and played against each other as schoolboys.

"I started playing regularly at 13 and that's where I met Paul. We were both juniors together," he added.

"Because we're the same age, I've known Paul for quite a while. Paul always was one of the best - he achieved loads.

"At my first ever junior tournament, Paul won it. You could see then he had something about him."

Profile: Paul Hunter

Hunter, a three-times Masters winner and former World Snooker semi-finalist, has always been a crowd favourite.

And his decision to play on despite his recent diagnosis is sure to win him widespread support at the Crucible.

But Holt has to concentrate on his own game, having finally made it to the sport's biggest stage.

"I'm dead excited as it's my first time there," said the man who has been a UK Championship (1999) and LG Cup (2003) quarter-finalist.

"I've had a few nightmares trying to qualify before, but hopefully it will go well."

The former British under-19 champion is particularly savouring his appearance at the Crucible, with uncertainty surrounding the famous theatre's snooker link.

A decision on whether the championship will remain in Sheffield or move to Liverpool or Birmingham is set to be announced on Friday 22 April.

"I thought Stephen Hendry's idea of moving it every year to different places was quite good," said Holt.

"Of course, it would be a shame to move it from the Crucible.

"That's one of the reasons I was trying to play this year, because I thought it might be the last time."

Holt hails from Nottingham, but missed out on one of snooker's most interesting nicknames, which has already being bagged by fellow East Midlander Anthony Hamilton.

Hamilton is the Sheriff of Pottingham! So Holt will be announced as the 'Hitman' by MC Alan Hughes.