Dott to play despite depression

888.com WORLD SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP
Dates: Sat 19 April to Mon 5 May Venue: Crucible Theatre, Sheffield
Coverage: Watch live on BBC ONE, BBC TWO, BBCi and the BBC Sport website; listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

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Dott has struggled for form over the last few months

Graeme Dott has taken the brave decision to play at snooker's World Championship starting on Saturday despite suffering from depression.

The 2006 champion has lost 15 straight matches and was contemplating pulling out of the sport's showpiece event.

"I had already decided last week to pull out and told my family I would not be going to Sheffield," said Dott.

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

Dott, the world number 12, plays England's Joe Perry (ranked 14th) in the first round on Tuesday, 22 April.

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Interview: Former world snooker champion Graeme Dott

The 30-year-old Scot is being treated for his depression but says his health is improving.

"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 OK and my form is a long way off from being good."

Dott had to cope with the death of his father-in-law Alex Lambie, who was also his manager, in December 2006.

His wife Elaine suffered a cancer scare in January 2007 while he was playing at the Masters, before she received the all-clear.