Joe Johnson is hoping that laser surgery will extend his playing career.

Bradford's former world champion has had treatment in both eyes for short-sightedness and says his vision is "ten times better" and that his prescription is "half what it was".

The 48-year-old, who had the surgery in Manchester in June, says: "I was hoping I might get away without wearing contact lenses, but that hasn't proved the case.

"At least my eyes will accept contact lenses now - previously they wouldn't because of their shape - and they have been 'rounded off'."

Johnson, who doesn't start his qualifying campaign at the Newport Centre, South Wales until August 30, added: "I hope I can now survive another season or two in the top 64.

"I am far and away the oldest player there - only Steve Davis (43 next Tuesday) comes anywhere close - and I am giving well over ten years to virtually every player."

While Johnson's career in the higher echelons of the sport has lasted almost 20 years - he didn't turn professional until he was 27 - Clubhouse In Cue Gardens member Craig Butler is just starting his top-flight career.

The Bramley-based European amateur champion faces teenager Mark Selby tomorrow morning in the first qualifying round of the British Open at Newport.

"That's a tough draw, but I hope that by the time I play I will be used to the tables and the atmosphere at the centre," said the 26-year-old.

"The season as a whole will be hard, but I am normally quite relaxed when I play matches."

Johnson said: "I wish Craig all the best - he wouldn't have won the European amateur title or qualified via the UK Tour if he wasn't a good player."

Simon Bedford's career has been something of a roller-coaster ride.

A first round appearance at the World Championships against Davis and two UK Tour titles have been the highlights, while the low point was relegation in his first season in the top-flight in 1998-99.

"I just don't know what to expect," said the 24-year-old Bradford left-hander, who starts tomorrow night against Darryn Walker in the British, "but I hope my renewed concentration will hold me in good stead."

Fellow Cuedos member Jason Prince (Birstall) is battling to get back in the top 64, and could meet Bedford in the second qualifying round of the China Open a week tomorrow.

Prince is exempt until the second qualifying rounds - he plays in the British Open on Sunday - while Johnson and Peter Lines (Leeds) don't have to play until the third round of the four tournaments in Newport.