Barry Pinches hopes his shock victory over Jimmy White at the Embassy World Championship catapults him into the spotlight alongside other Norfolk icons such as Darren Huckerby, Delia Smith and Alan Partridge.

Until Tuesday, his 15-year professional career has been spent mostly in obscurity.

But a 10-8 win over six-times Crucible runner-up White guarantees Pinches at least 15 minutes of fame.

And with a probable second round meeting with Stephen Hendry looming at the weekend, the world number 36 has another opportunity to belatedly make an even bigger name for himself.

It is inconceivable seven-times champion Hendry will not polish off Stuart Pettman in Sheffield on Wednesday after taking an 8-1 overnight lead.

However, Tuesday belonged to Barry 'Potter'. "It gets you noticed," he said of his defeat of the weary 'Whirlwind'.

"It's terrific to win a match at the Crucible, especially beating someone like Jimmy White.

"It was funny because before we went back to play the final session I went to a pub to have something to eat.

"Jimmy's dad was in there with some local lads and he came over, shook my hand and wished me good luck."

Pinches struggled over the winning line and says of his forthcoming second round appearance: "I just want to go out and show people I can play.

"Even if I lose as long as I have played well I won't mind."

It was Hendry who halted his progress in the quarter-finals of the UK Championship last November.

But that tournament was further evidence of Pinches remarkable change in fortune.

"A few years ago I thought I was not getting anywhere with my career. All I wanted to do was earn a modest living and even that was a struggle.

"At one stage I dropped off the main tour and hardly earned anything. My wife Ashley was working at the time and that was important.

"Now, she is expecting our second child so this run has come at a good time. After getting back on the tour I won 14 matches one season, 24 the next and 14 in each of the last two seasons.

"And here I am in the second round of the World Championship. I don't have any sponsorship at the moment but beating Jimmy can't hurt."

Pinches is now guaranteed £17,600 to swell his earnings this season to in excess of £60,000.

White admitted his recent success at the Players Championship in Glasgow took its toll more than he imagined.

"It may be my age but I feel played out. There is always a shock here and unfortunately it is me."

However, White has not been the only big name casualty. Five of the world's 16 have already gone out, including fellow ranking event winner Peter Ebdon.

Indeed, Stephen Lee, a semi-finalist 12 months ago, is the highest seed to fall. It was hard to believe he is the world number five on the evidence of a 10-7 defeat by Lee Walker.

The 28-year-old Welshman Walker, the lowest ranked player in the tournament at 81, next plays David Gray or Ali Carter.

Hendry and Ronnie O'Sullivan can expect a longer stay in South Yorkshire.

Hendry was far from at his best against world number 47 Pettman but his only telling slip came in frame three.

O'Sullivan faced graver problems against Hendry's former practice partner Stephen Maguire. But European Open champion Maguire blew a 60-point advantage for a 4-2 lead and finished facing a 6-3 deficit.

O'Sullivan needs four of the last 10 frames for a last 16 encounter with Quinten Hann's would be punch bag, Andy Hicks.

Yorkshireman Paul Hunter, many people's tip for the title, begins his campaign today along with six-times winner Steve Davis.

Wembley Masters champion Hunter tackles 1991 champion John Parrott while the latter's fellow commentator Steve Davis meets Nottingham's Anthony Hamilton.