STEVE DAVIS has urged Ronnie O'Sullivan to "go fishing again" as he bids to hook a sixth world title.

O'Sullivan's defeat by Mark Selby in last year's World Championship final came as a bolt from the blue as the five-time winner surrendered a seemingly commanding 10-5 lead to lose 18-14.

It means O'Sullivan's aura of invincibility in Sheffield finals is over after five previous triumphs. And while Stephen Hendry's record Crucible haul of seven titles looked well within his reach midway through that final 12 months ago, O'Sullivan is now up against it to match the Scot.

When O'Sullivan returns to snooker's most famous arena this month, Davis - who was thrashed 10-1 by Kurt Maflin in his second qualifying round match last night - knows how the gloomy memories might briefly flood back, having coughed up an imposing lead himself when losing 18-17 to Dennis Taylor in the 1985 final.

"From Ronnie's perspective the best way to look at it is like a fisherman - that's the one that got away," Davis said.

"It was like me and Dennis when I was 8-0 ahead in the 1985 final. You've got to think, 'Ah never mind, I'll go fishing again'. He's basically sticking his rod in the water this year, and he is still the best fisherman out there, but there's other good fisherman who can catch the big fish. He can't just walk it any more."

Davis was a 31-year-old when he landed his sixth, and last, world title in 1989. The emerging Hendry then took over as the dominant player on the baize.

O'Sullivan turns 40 in December, but victories this season at the Champion of Champions and UK Championship suggest he is still the player to beat.

Meanwhile, Hamilton's Jamie Burnett survived a storming fightback, but Dumbarton's Marcus Campbell tumbled out at the qualifiers last night.

Burnett led Thailand's Thepchaiya Un-Nooh 6-3 overnight yet was made to battle before finally winning 10-8. He meets Craig Steadman in today's final qualifiers.

Campbell also led overnight against Mark King, but the London left-hander hit back to win 10-6 and he now faces Glasgow's Anthony McGill for a spot at the Crucible next week.

Graeme Dott and Alan McManus are also in final qualifying action today against Yu Delu and Mitchell Mann respectively.