NOTTINGHAM potter Michael Holt is relishing the chance to try to end his season on a welcome high at next month's Betfred.com World Championship.

The world No.24 made sure of his participation in snooker's top tournament with an impressive 10-6 victory over Irishman David Morris in the final round of qualifying on Monday – with good friend Carl Froch, the WBC super-middleweight champion, watching on.

Holt pocketed breaks of 72, 85, 59 and 70 to beat Morris at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield – and his victory made sure of a return to the city for this year's tournament which runs from April 17-May 3.

"It's a great feeling to have qualified because I've not had the best of seasons," admitted Holt.

"I played all right, but to be honest I felt better than how I played. But it's hard to know how well you're playing because I've not played a lot of matches this season, there's not been that many tournaments.

"I knew it was going to be a tough game for me but I was always confident I was going to win."

The last time Holt played Morris he whitewashed him 5-0, but the 'Hitman' admitted his opponent had improved a lot since then.

"I think he was unlucky the last time we played each other because I played really well to beat him 5-0. That was one of my really good days," added the 31-year-old.

"If you're not at the Crucible you're gutted. It's as if the season has ended badly. There's loads of pressure on you to win your match. But although I've not had the best of seasons, this victory really makes up for it because it's given me the chance to end on a high note.

"Even if I lost my first round match, I'll have picked up some really good ranking points and some welcome prize money.

"For the last three weeks I've been sleeping two hours a night, so it's just such a relief to win," added Holt.

"I had a couple of twitches, but I felt good in the end. At the start of this season I wanted to get into the top 16 but I've lost three first round matches, although I've been playing OK.

"To get to the Crucible is like a footballer playing at Wembley. It's the tournament you watch as a kid. In the past, maybe I've not appreciated it enough, but I will now."

And Holt revealed trying to win some money was a big factor in his battle to progress.

"At the end of the day you're not thinking about the money when you're playing, but we're all playing to earn money. This is a job to us.

"I wouldn't be practising five hours a day if I wasn't going to get paid at the end of it. I'm a professional and when you're not doing well you do worry about money."

Holt will find out tomorrow morning who he will play in this year's first round with a live draw to made at Wembley Stadium (11am).

And having been dumped out by defending champion John Higgins at the first hurdle last season, it's little wonder Holt doesn't want to draw the all-conquering Scot again.

"I've played John twice in the first round and he's gone on to win the tournament," revealed Holt. "I sent him a text the other day to say I hope I don't draw you. You want to avoid the best players like John and Ronnie [O'Sullivan]."