Taylor: Wide open

If you were picking a favourite you'd have to say it was Ronnie O'Sullivan - but then again this is the most open World Championship we've seen.

I know that's something we seem to say every year, but this year it really is extraordinary. We've had seven different winners in the ranking events, which is unprecedented in the game.

I think John Higgins could do well, and Mark Selby has been a consistent performer - and I really don't think you can write off Steven Hendry either.

Something seems to click inside him when he gets to the Crucible: he made it to the semi-finals last year after a disappointing season, and could well have won the title if he hadn't come up against Ronnie playing probably the best snooker that has ever been seen.

Stephen Maguire and Shaun Murphy have decent chances as well, and I think the left-hander Neil Robertson is probably the best single ball potter that we've ever seen - even more than Mark Williams at his best.

If you gave me a free tenner to put on? I'd stick it on Ali Carter. I was really impressed by him last year and really think he could go the whole way.

As for surprises? Well, it's hard to see one of the newer players coming through to be honest. The Crucible is such a unique venue that a bit of experience really helps - though I'd love to see one of the Chinese lads do well.

It's a real shame that they've drawn each other in the first round, because we'll lose one of them so early on. Ding is a very good player - though he's not had the best of seasons - while Liang Wen-bo was such a great character at the tournament last year that it'd be fantastic to see him do well.

I'll never forget him coming out on to the table with the referees after he misunderstood the announcements; he ended up running back and forth in and out of the arena as if he was in a Benny Hill sketch!

The other thing to recognise this year is Steve Davis's record 29th appearance - an incredible feat. It just goes to show the outstanding mental strength that he's shown over the years - it's truly awesome.