Dave Harold lost to Shaun Murphy in the first round at the Crucible in 2008

Stoke-on-Trent's Dave Harold is relishing his return to the Crucible for the World Snooker Championship.

Harold last appeared at the Crucible in 2008 and begins his first round match against Ali Carter on Saturday.

The 44-year-old told BBC Radio Stoke: "There is no better place to play snooker than at the Crucible.

"I have only been there three times in the last 10 years and to walk out through the Crucible curtain is every player's dream, it's magical."

Harold earned his place in the World Championship draw with two tense 10-9 qualifying round victories.

But the draw has again been unkind to Harold, who is now ranked number 45 in the world, as he is paired against 2008 finalist Carter.

"I have played Ali a few times, and he holds the upper hand," Harold continued. "He knows how to make big breaks when he gets in so I have to restrict his chances.

"But I feel good. I am hitting the ball well so I am ready," added Harold.

Harold's best ever performance at the Crucible was in 1996 when he reached the quarter-final, eventually going down 13-7 to Nigel Bond.

The second session of his first-round match is on Sunday, meaning he will not be able to attend Stoke City's FA Cup semi-final against Bolton at Wembley.

"It's a real shocker for me," said Potters fan Harold. "It's one of those things, I'm professional enough to put it at the back of my mind.

"My wife and kids are going down [to Wembley] on the coach. Hopefully Stoke can do it as well and it will be a great double."

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