EVERGREEN DAVIS ENTERS THE FRAY

Like old man river, Steve Davis just keeps rolling along.

This afternoon he begins his 32nd season as a professional. Players have come and players have gone in the last three decades but Davis, 52 this month, remains a steadfastly stubborn presence.

The root of his stickability is his pure love of snooker and of competition. He is fascinated by the psychology of sport, be it snooker, pool, chess or poker.

He will have his work cut out against Matt Selt, who seems to be finding his feet on the professional circuit.

I doubt Steve will have practised much over the summer, but his tactical game remains first class and he may be able to grind Selt down.

It's now 20 years since Davis last won the World Championship and 14 years since his last ranking tournament victory.

He isn't kidding himself that he will be a world beater again but there's something to be admired in his refusal to roll over.

Every now and again, he is capable of performances that reveal to younger audiences and snooker newcomers why he was the best thing the game had ever seen until Stephen Hendry came along.

The match is live on 110sporttv from 4pm UK time.