DAVE Harold and Jamie Cope are ready to launch their bids to qualify for next month's World Championship.

They need to win one qualifying match at the English Institute of Sport (EIS) in Sheffield to make sure of a place in snooker's biggest tournament.

Trent Vale's Harold, who has not competed at the famous Crucible Theatre in Sheffield for eight years, faces either Sussex's Mark Davis or Norwich's Barry Pinches tomorrow.

He said: "I've been trying not to think about the match too much. If you do then the pressure can start to get to you.

"We all know how big a game it is, because everyone wants to qualify for the Crucible.

"I've not done very well at the EIS over the last few seasons – I've had a few bad defeats – but I'm looking forward to the match. You've got to look forward to these occasions."

Harold has struggled for form this season, having sparkled last year to recapture his place in the world's top-32.

The 43-year-old reached the Northern Ireland Trophy final last season, when he lost out to three-times world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan.

"You can go all season without a win, but qualifying for the Crucible will put you on cloud nine," said Harold.

"There's not only a lot of ranking points up for grabs, but it's the chance to play in the best tournament and be part of the buzz.

"There's something special about the Crucible. It's always a great atmosphere. The crowd can almost touch you, the arena's so small."

After his appearance in the final in Northern Ireland last season, Harold has been working hard to make sure he is ready for his qualifier.

He said: "My form has been terrible this season, but I was saying to my brother that I don't want to have to watch this year's tournament on TV again, that would be terrible.

"I don't want to get bumped out at this stage, because if I do I'll probably be knocking walls down next week.

"Me and my brother have bought a few properties and we're doing them up, so that's what I'll be doing if I lose."

Longton's Cope must win his qualifying match on Tuesday to ensure of his participation in the sport's blue-riband event.

However, the world number 18 does not know who he will play, with other matches to be decided before then.