By Richard Preen

World Ranking: 33
Date Of Birth: 06/03/76
Form: R48/QF/R48/R32/R32
World Championship best: Last 16 - 2002

Gloucester's Robert Milkins returns to the Crucible for the second year running after progressing through two qualifying matches.

His route to Sheffield was a comfortable affair seeing off Andrew Norman 10-3 before overcoming Anthony Davies 10-5.

Last year he enjoyed a first round success against Ireland's Fergal O'Brien which presented him with an opportunity to take on the then reigning champion Ronnie O'Sullivan.

Robert met his match that time round exiting 13-3 although he will take heart from his first Crucible experience and the plaudits he received.

Milkins' style of play is aesthetically pleasing and his confident demeanour around the table is sure to ruffle a few feathers amongst the established professionals.

His season's form is impressive with the highlight being a quarter-final appearance at the UK Championships.

En route to the quarter-finals at York he disposed of Nigel Bond, Joe Swail and Matthew Stevens before eventually losing out to reigning world champion Peter Ebdon.

The benefits of a good season are already paying dividends in his provisional ranking position which has witnessed a rise of ten places to 23.

A decent performance here could yet elevate Rob to the dizzy heights of the top 16.

If he continues to play with the same aplomb then there is no reason why Robert couldn't make an impact at this year's World Championships.