Snooker: Top-64 ranking is Paul Davison’s Christmas wish

The Pickering snooker ace knows he can only guarantee his place on the main tour for the 2014/15 season, which starts in May, with an ascent up the standings.

Currently at 74, the 42-year-old has enjoyed a successful season in major events – frequently reaching the venue stages.

But he still faces a trip to Q-School unless, Davison believes, he can qualify for each of the remaining five ranking events still to get under way.

“It’s going to be nip and tuck,” he said.

“I’ll have to get to every venue and win a couple of matches.

“That’s when the prize money shoots up and that’s what I’m going to have to do.

“It’s going to be close but I will be practising hard and will try to play well.”

Davison can take his first step when he lines up against world number nine Marco Fu in the last 64 of the German Masters at the Tempodrom, in Berlin, at the end of January.

First, though, he takes part in the invitational 888.com Shoot-out at Blackpool’s Circus Tower.

Davison will meet Alfie Burden on the opening night of action on Friday, January 24, in the unique event, which sees frames last only ten minutes and players restricted by a shot-clock.

“I got in by the skin of my teeth,” he added after learning he will be the 64th and final seed in the event.

“I thought I would miss out by one or two places but I entered it and I’ve got the last place. I am over the moon.

“Playing Alfie Burden is a more than winnable game and it is played in a great atmosphere.”

Having made his debut in the Shoot-out 12 months ago, losing in the first round to Ben Woollaston, Davison also thinks he will be a wiser competitor this time around.

“I think I’ll be better this time,” he said.

“You know what to expect and you can adjust to it. It was a little bit like going into the unknown last year.

“I will enjoy it, I have got nothing to lose. You are guaranteed £500 and it’s £1,000 for round two.

“There is no reason why anyone can’t win it. I am looking forward to it.”