By Richard Preen

World Ranking: 46
Date Of Birth: 07/04/66
Form: Q/Q/R48/Q/Q
World Championship best: Quarter-finalist – two times

Former world number five Gary Wilkinson returns to the Crucible Theatre after successfully negotiating two qualifying rounds.

He managed to overcome Dave Finbow 10-7 followed by a good performance to edge out Fergal O'Brien 10-8.

The qualifying for events is a regular occurrence now for Wilkinson with his triumph in the Coalite Matchplay in 1991 a distant memory.

That event was a prestigious invitation affair which was competed for over longer distance matches, the final saw Wilkinson run out a comfortable winner against Steve Davis 18-11.

He also managed to reach the final of the British Open that year where he lost narrowly to Stephen Hendry 10-9.

His last Crucible appearance came in 2000 where he again lost to a close finish this time against John Parrott 10-9.

His tournament bests this season have been the two occasions where he reached the last 48 of the LG Cup and Regal Welsh.

The World Championship therefore has been his most profitable competition this season and although he lines up against Stephen Hendry in the first-round, he will be pleased to share some of the limelight once more.