By Jonathan Rawcliffe BBC Sport at The Crucible

Paul Hunter hugs Matthew Stevens after their second-round match last year

Matthew Stevens says his preparations for the World Championship were dampened by the news that his close friend Paul Hunter has cancer.

"Who hasn't been affected by it?" said the Welshman.

"It's tough for everyone, but he's strong. He'll definitely come through it. He's got to forget about it, play snooker, then concentrate on it.

Stevens added the pair have talked about Hunter's illness, saying: "We're mates - that's what mates do."