File photo of Ding Junhui [Photo/Xinhua]?

He told the BBC: "When I play in China, people think I will win every tournament I play in. They say 'it is not impossible - you are human. I wish I was an alien."

"I have pressure to win the World Championship and I need to play well to win it, but that is not for me to worry about this time.

"I feel strong and not like the past few years when I have not felt strong enough. I will make it a hard game for everyone that plays me.

"I hope I can win the title this year; it would mean everything."

Ding, 26, is yet to reach a final at the snooker worlds. His best result came in 2011 when he was beaten 17-15 by Judd Trump in the semifinals.

His other five attempts since 2007 have seen him knocked out in the first round twice and the second round three times.

The world No. 9 will take on Scot Alan McManus in the first round on April 23.