David Gilbert back on the up, targeting top-16 place - 'I’ve felt like a nobody for such a long time'

Published 31/05/2024 at 16:30 GMT

David Gilbert was at a low point towards the end of the 2023/24 snooker season, but he dragged himself through World Championship qualifying and ran through to the semi-finals at the Crucible - losing to eventual winner Kyren Wilson. Gilbert has taken confidence from his performances in Sheffield and is looking to make big strides in the coming season.

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David Gilbert is aiming high in the 2024/25 snooker season after revitalising his career with a run to this year’s World Championship semi-finals.

Gilbert had a torrid time on the table in the 2023/24 campaign, which resulted in the 42-year-old having to qualify for the Crucible.

Despite heading to qualification lacking in confidence, Gilbert made it through to the main stage - aided by the help of former player Andy Lee.

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Lee offered a pair of ears as well as eyes, and Gilbert said “things changed from there”.

Gilbert beat defending champion Luca Brecel in round one and grew into the tournament.

A 13-4 demolition of Robert Milkins was followed by a 13-8 win over Stephen Maguire in the quarter-finals.

In the semi-finals, Gilbert found eventual champion Kyren Wilson too strong - but he left Sheffield with new-found belief in his game.

Lee will continue to be in Gilbert’s corner, and the aim is to break back into the top 16 and compete for the biggest honours.

“Going forward Andy is going to be helping me,” Gilbert told World Snooker. “It wasn’t just about having a good mate there to listen to all of my problems.

“He knew what I was after technically as well. That was very helpful.

“Interestingly, he said he knew what I was doing wrong all tournament, but the balls were going in so he didn’t tell me. After the third session with Kyren, where I missed a few, he pointed it out and when he did I realised I had been doing something wrong all tournament. We had a chuckle about that.

“I have a lot of faith in Andy. He has really helped me.”

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Gilbert has, by his own admission, let things slip off the table in the past and says a strict regime is helping him retain focus.

“When I was playing really well and in the top 16, fitness was my life,” Gilbert said. “I was regimented, strict and in the gym every day. I need routine in my life. Andy gives me a plan and I stick to it.

“I just needed routine back in my life. I lost my way a bit. That is obvious and I didn’t want to play.

"I need to work hard. I did work hard for the Crucible and it showed.”

The new season is on the horizon, with the opening ranking event of the season - the Championship League - kicking off on June 10.

Gilbert has big goals for the new season, as he added: “If you can play well at the Crucible and get to the semi-finals then that is confirmation you can compete at the highest level. I still want to win it [World Championship]. I believe I can and that is a goal for me. Whereas three months ago I was done and I could never win again. If I stay patient, I know I can.

“I want to get in the top 16 and be in there properly. Not just jump in and out. I miss being a top-16 player.

"I’ve felt like a nobody for such a long time. The goal now is to prepare properly and turn up at events to win.

“Going forward I have a lot of optimism.”

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