GRAEME Dott is ready to rip Anthony McGill’s “throat out” in their all-Scottish showdown at the British Open today.
The duo both came through their delayed qualifiers to set up an all-tartan tussle in today’s first round at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes.
Former world champion Dott beat 2021 Scottish Open champion Luca Brecel 4-1, whilst McGill saw off Wu Yize by the same scoreline yesterday.
“You can be laughing and joking behind the curtain but once you’re out there you want to rip each other’s throats out,” said the Larkhall potter. “I’m probably closest with John Higgins on the tour and that’s just the way it is when we play each other.”
The 2006 world champion firmly believes he will be the underdog when he locks horns with the 2020 Crucible semi-finalist. World No.35 Dott added: “Anthony is definitely the favourite.
“If it was a few years ago, like with Luca, then it would be closer. Whenever I’ve played him years ago I would be favourite, but Anthony’s certainly the favourite.
“Anthony’s a fantastic player. His game is made for the World Championship.
“There’s nothing wrong with any part of his game. His game might not be the best in any area, but he’s really good at everything.”
Scots Ross Muir, Fraser Patrick and Dean Young play their first-round matches tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Mark Williams kicked off his title defence with a 4-1 win over Andreas Petrov.
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