Newcomer Kyren Wilson set his sights on a clash with Ronnie O’Sullivan in the first round of the Dafabet World Championship after denying former Crucible king Graeme Dott a place at this year’s tournament.
Wilson admitted even relatives doubted whether he could earn a World Championship debut by toppling the Scot, who landed world title glory in 2006.
But the 22-year-old pulled off a 10-7 win at Sheffield’s Ponds Forge venue, a five-minute stroll from the championship venue.
Asked who he would want to be pitched against in Thursday’s draw for a tournament that starts on Saturday morning, Wilson replied: “I want Ronnie.
“I’m young, it’s my first time, he brings in the crowd and everyone wants to watch him on TV.”
Dott complimented his conqueror, saying of Wilson: “If he plays to that standard he can beat anybody. I don’t feel I played that badly. I’m sure when the tournament starts on Saturday I will be devastated.”
Ken Doherty secured the 19th Crucible appearance of his career with a 10-5 success over crowd-pleasing Thai Dechawat Poomjaeng.
Nottingham’s Michael Holt made it through to the Crucible stages for a seventh time, Welshman Dominic Dale earned a ninth appearance, and Tamworth’s David Gilbert will play his third World Championship.
Former semi-finalist Alan McManus booked his place with a fine 10-8 victory over two-time champion Mark Williams.