Snooker
2024 World Snooker Championship: David Gilbert Books First Spot in the Last Eight
David Gilbert dominates Robert Milkins 13-4, securing his spot in the quarterfinals with explosive snooker prowess.
The Farmer Beats the Milkman
David Gilbert surged into the quarterfinals of the 2024 World Snooker Championship, dispatching Robert Milkins with a commanding 13-4 victory. Gilbert’s remarkable performance marks only the second time in his career that he has advanced to this stage of the prestigious tournament, as he continues to assert his presence among the sport’s elite.
Early Signs of Dominance
What appeared to be a closely contested match quickly transformed into a one-sided affair, with Gilbert establishing an early lead and never looking back. After the initial session, Gilbert held a solid 5-3 advantage, laying the groundwork for his eventual dominance over Milkins.
Explosive Second Session
The turning point came in the second session, where Gilbert unleashed a relentless barrage of attacking snooker, overwhelming his opponent and surging to a commanding 12-4 lead. His exceptional performance included two stunning century breaks of 136 and 123 in the 15th and 16th frames respectively, leaving Milkins reeling and Gilbert on the brink of victory.
Image credit: WST
Record-Breaking Pursuit
As Gilbert entered the final session, he had his sights set on a Crucible record, aiming to surpass John Higgins’ mark of 485 unanswered points set back in 2000. With an impressive streak of 354 points without reply from Milkins, Gilbert was on the verge of snatching the record away from the legendary Higgins.
A tally of 67 in the 17th frame sealed Gilbert’s triumph and clinched his spot in the quarterfinals, capping off a remarkable performance that electrified the Crucible Theatre. While he fell short of breaking Higgins’ record, Gilbert’s dominance on the table left an indelible mark on the tournament.
First Quarterfinalist
With his emphatic victory, Gilbert becomes the first player in the 2024 World Snooker Championship to secure a spot in the quarterfinals, signalling his intent to make a deep run in the tournament. His sensational display of skill and determination has solidified his status as a formidable contender for the title.
Gilbert now awaits the outcome of the match between Stephen Maguire and Shaun Murphy to determine his quarterfinal opponent. Maguire currently holds a 5-3 lead over the charismatic Murphy after the first session, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown as Gilbert continues his quest for snooker glory.
Keep up with SportsBoom.com for live updates, exclusive interviews, and instant match reports straight from the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, your go-to source for all things snooker.
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