Barry Hawkins faces a daunting task at the Crucible on Saturday as he aims to break his duck at the World Snooker Championship.

Hawkins, who is ranked 17 in the world, appears at the Sheffield arena for the fifth successive year but defending champion John Higgins stands in his way of a first opening round win.

"I can’t have been given a much tougher first round draw," said the 30-year-old from Ditton, near Maidstone.

"I’m practising hard, though, and putting the work in and know that anything can happen.

"There will be a lot of pressure on him as the defending champion and if I can go in there, settle quickly and play some decent snooker then I’ve got a chance.

"I can’t go thinking that I’m going to get bashed up because that’s what will happen if I do."

The Hawkins versus Higgins match opens the prestigious tournament in Sheffield.

"It’s something I’ve been practising for all my life and I’m looking forward to it," he said.

"It’s going to be a great challenge to be facing the world champion and I can only learn from the experience."