 He lost to Raymond van Barneveld in the 1st round – ironically both players were making their Circus Tavern debuts despite their vastly different levels of experience.172 players lined up at the Holte Suite, Villa Park, Birmingham for the qualifiers for the World Championship on 2 December 2006.They included four former World Champions, Eric Bristow, John Lowe, Richie Burnett and Keith Deller.