The World No 12 from Chatteris has won just three matches in five ranking events this season, though he did give himself a boost with a 5-1 victory over Tony Drago in the first round of last week's Sanyuan Foods China Open.
Perry currently stands 19th in the provisional rankings and believes that he needs to win at least two matches at the Crucible to hold on to his place in the top 16. "It won't be easy, but I'm feeling much better about my game than I was a couple of months ago, I feel as if I have turned a corner," said the 35-year-old.
"It's been a funny season, but in hindsight it could be a good thing because it's made me address some problems in my game and given me new enthusiasm. Obviously I want to stay in the top 16, but if I dropped out it wouldn't be a disaster."
Some of the highlights of Perry's career have come at the Crucible; he knocked out Mark Williams when he was defending the title in 2004, and beat Stephen Maguire en route to the semi-finals in 2008. "I've played some of my best snooker there and those memories will inspire me," he added. "I know I can beat anyone, I just need to believe in myself and do it more often."
The Cambridgeshire cueman faces Michael Holt in the first round on Saturday April 17 (2.30pm) and Sunday April 18 (7pm).
"We are friends but once we get on the table it's down to work," Perry added. "It's a big game for both of us - me for the top 16 and Michael because he's trying to fulfil his talent."
The Betfred.com World Snooker Championship runs from April 17 to May 3.
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