Depressed Dott will play

The 2006 champion has lost his last 15 matches and has experienced several personal traumas, including the death of his father-in-law, who was also his manager, in the last 18 months.

Dott's wife also had a cancer scare before receiving the all-clear, and the emotional strain has taken its toll on the 30-year-old and his game.

But he will be at the Crucible next week for his opening match against Joe Perry, and said: "I had already decided last week to pull out of the championship and told my family I would not be going to Sheffield.

"But I have changed my mind because I thought it would just be too hard for me not to play."

Dott is being treated for his depression and believes his health is improving.

He said: "I'm certainly a lot better than I was - there has been a massive change, although I am still a long way off from being okay and my form is a long way off from being good.''