Graeme Dott suffers World Snooker Championships agony as John Higgins prepares for big tournament

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Larkhall's Graeme Dott will miss the World Snooker Championships after a painful 'Judgement Day' loss to Jamie Clarke.The 2006 winner's opponent fell to his knees as he claimed the victory at the final stage prior to this month's major tournament.It was last chance saloon for players aiming to reach the big stage and proceedings entered a best of 19 frames format.Dott found himself 6-3 down to Jamie Clarke after the morning session and the Welshman extended his advantage to 8-4, before the Lanarkshire player won four frames to level things up.Clarke completed victory by sinking a treble shot off the cushions after winning the remaining two frames to leave the former champion gutted.

It comes after the 44-year-old produced a superb 147 break - just the second one of his career - in his qualifying win over Pang Junxu on Monday.

After losing 10-6 to Martin Gould in the final qualifying round in 2020 and 10-7 to Tian Pengfei last season, this provides more pain for Dott.Meanwhile, Wishaw's John Higgins will begin his latest journey at the Crucible against Thepchaiya Un-Nooh next Tuesday after the first round draw was complete.It will be a test of Higgins' mental strength after losing five finals this season alone, three when only a single frame from victory.Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport onTwitter via@LanLiveSport, like us onFacebookor find us onInstagramfor the latest sports news, pictures and video.