JOHN Parrott does not believe the disappointing form shown by his conqueror Mark Williams in their Embassy World Championship first-round match is any guide to the the Cwm player's title chances.

Williams (pictured) claimed he had played "like a pig with a shotgun" in his 10-7 victory over the Question of Sport team captain, who will now assume his familiar BBC summariser's role for the rest of the tournament.

But while the Liverpudlian, who captured the coveted crown in 1991, admitted neither of the duo had been anywhere near their best, he insisted it would be a different story for Williams with the initial jitters out of the way.

"It was very scrappy and I know it can be twitchy in the opening match when you're a seed," said Parrott, who had to qualify for the Crucible having plunged to number 22 in the world rankings.

"Neither of us performed and we were both very nervous, me because I'm trying to re-establish myself as a force in the game and Mark because he's one of the leading contenders to win the tournament.

"But I think everything changes round by round. The leading players tend to improve markedly and Mark remains one of up to eight players with a very good chance of winning this year. It's wide open.

"I was very impressed with Stephen Hendry. He hit the ball really well when he beat Shaun Murphy, but it's more open than ever. I'm not ducking the issue when I say there are so many players who can win it."

Not so long ago, Parrott himself would have been classed in that group. But his fortunes have plummeted to such an extent that he now finds himself having to play qualifying rounds at venues he describes as "like Tiger Woods playing at a municipal course - only I'm not as good as Tiger Woods".

However, the 37-year-old is confident he can get back among the elite top 16 as his enthusiasm and dedication are as strong as ever.

"I've got a very good springboard for next season because I'm now potting more long balls than I was," said Parrott. "Against Mark, I just lacked the heavy scoring when I was in the balls. That's just down to confidence.

"But I'm absolutely loving it again and it's frustrating because I know I can play better. I just need one good result to get me going."

In the last 16 on Saturday, Williams will meet Anthony Hamilton having stated that "it wouldn't be possible to play any worse" than he did against Parrott. The second round gets under way today with Matthew Stevens taking on six-time runner-up Jimmy White, while Ronnie O'Sullivan begins his quest for a quarter-final place against Crucible debutant Robert Milkins.

While O'Sullivan has had since Saturday to kick his heels before returning to action, world number 54 Milkins faces a quick turnaround having achieved the best victory of his career against Dublin's Fergal O'Brien last night.

"I'll have to play better if I'm to have any chance against Ronnie but I think I will improve," he said.