The 2021 Champions League winner has enjoyed a stellar tournament up to this point, coming through two qualifiers just to reach the Crucible stage. He then shocked the snooker world by defeating reigning champion Luca Brecel in the first round.
Wins followed over Robert Milkins and Stephen Maguire, having come a long way to move just one match away from the World Championship final for the first time.
His motivation was extremely low coming into the tournament, initially hoping just to take the minimum prize money, though could be on the verge of a huge payday should he be able to overturn his deficit on Saturday.
“This is a massive achievement,” Gilbert said. “Five weeks ago I couldn’t be even bothered to turn up to play the qualifiers – I’d turn up and take my £10,000.”
