Neil Robertson has been roused by Liverpool and Manchester City as he bids to win an overdue second world title.
In his best-ever season the affable Australian has reached five finals, winning four – including a second Masters title and roaring back from 9-4 down against John Higgins to defend the Tour Championship last month.
Free-flowing with 845 century breaks to his name, he is tipped by many to win at the Crucible to add to his 2010 triumph.
But at the annual marathon of the mind he has been stymied in the quarter-final stage at his last three attempts by wily opponents - Higgins, Mark Selby and Kyren Wilson.