By Jonathan Rawcliffe BBC Sport at The Crucible
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Stevens was always in control against the obdurate Hicks
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World number six Matthew Stevens got his Crucible campaign off to a flying start by beating Andy Hicks 10-5. With a three-frame advantage from Saturday's session, the Welshman took the first on Sunday then made a break of 105 to go five clear.
Hicks made a fight of it, winning the next two with breaks of 54 and 62, but an 88 put Stevens firmly back in control of the match.
Hicks led the final frame, but an error let in Stevens, who cleared up.
After seeing off the challenge of Hicks, Stevens stated his intention to win the world crown.
"You've got to win the tournament to be happy," he said.
"I've lost in the final, and in three semi's, and I'm getting fed up of it to be honest. I've got to win.
"I've lost many first-round games - the tournament doesn't really start until the second week and I'm still in it."
M STEVENS (Wal) 10-5 A HICKS (Eng)
80-53 (51 Stevens) 1-67 68-9 (68) 8-104 (64) 0-105 (105) 80-33 (56) 66-49 68-3 (67) 68-33 66-15 105-0 (105) 0-103 (54) 56-66 (56 Stevens,62 Hicks) 88-9 (88) 70-53 (62)