World Snooker Championship final
Date: 2-3 May 2010 Venue: Crucible Theatre, Sheffield
Coverage: Live on BBC Two (starts 1400 and 1950 on Sunday, 1500 and 2000 Monday), BBC Red Button and BBC Sport website (UK only), updates on BBC Radio 5 Live. Full TV schedule

Selby miss puts Dott through to final

Neil Robertson and Graeme Dott will battle it out for the World Championship crown at the Crucible.

Robertson is in his first final and aiming to become the first winner from outside the UK and Ireland to win the title since Canadian Cliff Thorburn in 1980.

Dott will be playing in his third final. He lost 18-8 to Ronnie O'Sullivan in 2004 before beating Peter Ebdon 18-14 in 2006.

Three former world champions give their thoughts on the two finalists and where they think the match could be won or lost.

I have never seen Dott play so well - he's in the form of his life. He's a completely different player from the time he beat Peter Ebdon in 2006 to win the tournament.

That was one of the worst finals in recent years which he would admit! He's scoring heavier and quicker and has got a new lease of life. He's come through some hard personal times and fell down the rankings and it's great to see him back.

He had that tag of being gritty and tactical but these two weeks he's been a lot more positive and got seven centuries. He has the possibility of being up there with the great champions by winning it twice.

GRAEME DOTT Age: 32 Current rank: 28 Born and lives: Larkhall, Scotland Ranking event victories: Two Crucible form: Winner 2006, Finalist 2004

As for Neil Robertson, recovering from 11-5 down to beat Martin Gould in the quarters was one of the best Crucible comebacks I've ever seen. The manner in how he achieved it was sensational.

He's really come of age in the last few years by winning four ranking tournaments and has been involved in some top matches against top players. Now he's got a chance to create history as the first overseas player to reach the final since Cliff Thorburn in 1983.

It's been tough for him as well. He's had a lot to contend with being away from his family and it's great for snooker, providing a higher profile for a possible market further down the road.

Both will stick to the same game plan. They'll go for their shots, make big breaks and keep the tactical games to a minimum.

NEIL ROBERTSON Age: 28 Current rank: 9 Born: Melbourne, Australia Lives: Cambridge Ranking event victories: Four Crucible form: Semi-finals 2009, Quarters 2006

Dott has a more all-round game and is more tactically astute than Robertson but the Australian is a better long potter. They have the potential to counteract each other - it will be very interesting.

Personality is crucial in a final like this. If you don't have a good temperament you will never win the World Championship. You have to be strong mentally - particularly at this event over 17 days. It's a long hard slog and you need to be very focused and relaxed. There is more pressure at this event than any other.

The match will be very close. Both will be edgy starting and over the first two sessions there probably won't be more than two frames in it.

Dott has more experience and Robertson is more used to winning. We all want to see a 18-17 finale with a re-spotted black!

I see Robertson coming through to win though. Just.

I'm not surprised to see Robertson in the final. His performances this year have been fantastic. Everybody thought he would be playing John Higgins in the quarters until Steve Davis beat him and that's obviously helped.

Dott beat Robertson in the quarters on route to his title triumph in 2006

He didn't look so good when he was down against Gould but he's been superb overall. His break-building is outstanding and he's at the peak of his powers and looks ready to win.

The surprise package is Dott. It's not how he's found his form but the way he's played. He's more fluent, quicker and still gritty in some places, but for the most part, he thoroughly deserves his final spot.

They both look fresh and are playing great stuff - we should have a great match.

My advice for the two finalists? Don't lose!…there is nothing worse.

Robertson's been playing good and he seems to be a player who's got his head together. He's a tough player and it could definitely be his time.

DOTT - [CRUCIBLE STATS] - ROBERTSON 1381 - Balls potted - 1473 90% - Pot success - 89% 84% - Safety success - 82% 146 - Highest break - 140 91% - Rest success - 83% 5332 - Total points - 5086 63% - Long pot success - 60% 7 - Centuries - 7 90 - Total frames played - 87

He's got a good all-round game and he's the sort of player looking to win the game in one shot.

Dott has been through a lot and come through the other side looking pretty good. He's a hard player as well and has not been given a lot of credit so far for doing what he has.

He's got a good temperament and that winning post is getting nearer for him.

Who will win? My heart says Robertson. Who's my money on? I have no idea! I just know it's going to be a great final.

As John Spencer [three-time world champion] said to me - 'enjoy yourself'. They shouldn't worry about anything. You have to tell yourself that this is your time.

Doherty, Parrott and Thorburn were speaking to BBC Sport's Mark Ashenden

Highlights as Robertson reaches final

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