Dott Hopes To Regain Form In Beijing
Graeme Dott prepares to defend his title this week as he gears up for The Honghe Industrial 2008 World Snooker China Open in Beijing.
The elite Snooker Tournament takes place from Monday and Dott, currently the World number two hopes to break his latest losing streak. The potter from Larkhall hasn’t won any of his last thirteen matches on the World Snooker Tour and he hopes to repeat his performance from last year. Graeme admits that,
‘It has been a horrendous season…I just hope that I can get somewhere near the form I showed in Beijing last year, which was the best I’ve ever played.’
Last year, Dott defeated some of the best snooker players in the world, including Ronnie O’ Sullivan and John Higgins. Graeme beat Jamie Cope in the final with an impressive 9-5 win to become The Honghe Industrial 2007 Champion.
The former 888.com World champion is determined to put past grievances behind him and anticipates that Beijing will be the turnaround he needs. Dott explains, ‘I’ve had a few personal problems this season.’ Since the death of his father-in-law and Manager Alex Lambie, Graeme believes that it was the catalyst for his recent form, however, he understands that a win is all he needs to kick-start his past winning status.
‘It’s all about just trying to win one match, which could turn things around. I don’t want to be going to Sheffield on such a bad run.’
The Scottish Snooker professional, now 11th in the provisional rankings has headed out to Beijing prior to the tournament in order to prepare for his defence.
‘I’m going to Beijing a few days early, as that helped me last year to get over the jet lag and be ready for the tournament. Whether that helps my game, remains to be seen but I just have to keep punching and hope that my form comes back.’
Graeme will defend his championship at The Honghe Industrial 2008 China Open which runs from March 24th to 30th. The event will be held at the Beijing Student’s University Stadium where the top 16 ranked players and top 16 qualifiers will battle it out for the title.