Michael Beardmore

TAMWORTH snooker ace Dave Gilbert admits he needs a great run at next week's Welsh Open and then the World Championships to rescue a 'disastrous season'.

Gilbert qualified for the final stages of the Welsh Open by defeating David Roe 5-3 last week but faces a tough first hurdle in Newport – two-time former world champion Mark Williams.

Further challenges could await against the likes of Joe Perry and Mark Selby if Gilbert progresses – but he is looking no further than Welshman Williams, who will be on home turf.

Gilbert told Mercury Sport: "Mark is a big name and a great player but I have to treat it as just another game and play the balls not the player.

"My world ranking has plummeted (from 43 to 50 on the provisional list) so I need to win a couple in Wales and do well in the Worlds.

"Last week was the first match I have won in months and I've been playing shocking.

"In that game I would have taken anything – I just needed a win and it wasn't pretty by any means.

"I've been playing all right in practice so whether it's a confidence or mental thing I just don't know.

"It will be nice to get out of (qualifying venue) Pontins and play at a proper venue – and I'm pretty sure it will be televised on BBC Wales too."

Hot on the heels of the Welsh Open come the World Championship qualifiers, where Gilbert must win two best-of-19-frame matches to reach the televised stages at the Crucible.

Gilbert will face either Stefan Mazrocis, Rodney Goggins or Martin Gould in his first match and then a member of the world's top 32, randomly drawn, should he progress.

And he is hoping for a repeat of two years ago when he stormed through to the final stages before losing out to seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry.

Gilbert added: "I always look forward to the World Championships and I will be pleased if I can get back to the Crucible.

"It would be a nice way to end what has been a disastrous season."