The season did not get off on the right note for the 35-year-old with a 5-4 defeat by Darren Morgan. That was followed by a 9-4 reverse against Allister Carter at The UK Championship, snooker’s second biggest event.

McManus did find some semblance of form at The Wembley Conference Centre, scene of his famous triumph in 1994, as he reached the semi-final stage. He was routinely beaten 6-2 by John Higgins and the same man destroyed him 5-0 11 days later in Malta.

The latter result may have had a slight psychological impact on the two-time Crucible semi-finalist, as he was unable to get over the line against Robert Milkins in Wales and was comfortably beaten by Jamie Cope in China.

Having said that, 'Angles', so called due to his unparalleled knowledge of the angles on a snooker table, is still one of the game’s toughest competitors and, even though he is not playing well going into the championship, he will be an awkward opponent.

McManus is drawn to play Marcu Fu in the first round, another player not in the best of form. It should be an intriguing encounter and one that is probably best keeping the powder dry for.

Prediction: Second-round exit