Former world champion John Higgins believes he's got the extra sharpness needed to be successful at the Crucible this week.

Higgins, who won the title in 1998 and 2007 - starts his campaign against England's Michael Bolt on Wednesday and has been preparing for the event with fellow Scots Graeme Dott and Stephen Macguire.

And the threesome have added an extra edge to their warm-ups by playing matches for £100 a go.

"I can't t remember the last time my preparations went any better," said Higgins, the world number five.

"We've not done it before but Graeme and Stephen and I have all played some money matches in the build-up.

"I think it's given all of us an extra sharpness."

Meanwhile, Stephen Hendry has added his support for the campaign to keep snooker at the Crucible.

The Sheffield venue has hosted the World Championships since 1977 but its current deal expires after next year's event and both Dubai and China have expressed an interest in hosting future championships.

"Nobody really wants to leave," said Hendry, who has won seven titles at the venue

"If snooker has to leave the Crucible I would prefer to see an Open golf type of arrangement, where you have four or five venues and you alternate them.

"Like St Andrews in golf, it would be like going back to the home of snooker."