CWM'S Mark Williams is lacking in confidence as he attempts to pick up his third Embassy World Championships crown.

Williams, who won snooker's premier event in 1999 and 2003, kicks off his Crucible campaign tonight when he takes on qualifier Robert Milkins on the back of a dreadful year on the table. He has failed to win a tournament and has slipped from second in the world to ninth. with his top 16 place in jeopardy for next season.

"I have not very much confidence to be honest," Williams confessed. "I've not shown any form at all this season and that's something you need going to The Crucible. You can be found out there very easily."

He added: "My aim is to win my first match then take it from there - and that's as much as I can expect really."

Williams admits that with the birth of his first child last year and his form in free fall, it has been hard to maintain motivation.

He said: "At times it has been hard because what's the point of getting up for a match if you are playing badly? Then I remember I am supposed to be number 2 in the world so I'd better get the finger out!"

Despite his poor form, Williams will go into the match against Milkins as favourite and he admits the heat will be on to make the second round.

"There's always pressure at The Crucible," he said. "Just getting there is an achievement so I have to be on my game, rather than worrying about the opposition too much."

There are only two Welsh players on show at the Crucible this year, (Williams and Carmarthen's Matthew Stevens) as Newbridge's Lee Walker and Cardiff pair Ryan Day and Dominic Dale failed to qualify.

But Williams is hopeful for the future of Welsh snooker.

He said: "It's the same as everything, it comes and goes. I still think we've got some good players but the younger ones are just taking a bit longer to come through.

"It was the same with Scotland until Stephen Maguire came on the scene but even he has been a pro for about four or five years."