Jimmy White may be enjoying his best season for more than a decade but so too is the Whirlwind's opening opponent at the Embassy World Championship in Sheffield today.
Indeed, while White has been a Crucible ever-present since 1981, Barry Pinches is returning to the venue for the first time since 1991.
A 10-2 victory over Malta's Tony Drago in the final qualifying round last month ensured the Norwich professional's campaign finished on the highest possible note.
Unless that is, the 200-1 tournament outsider can do the unthinkable and deny White another chance to become world champion.
Snooker's official bookmakers Ladbrokes estimate a White world title win on May 3rd will cost them £250,000.
The money has been pouring in for the 41-year-old Londoner after his final victory over Paul Hunter at the Players Championship in Glasgow eight days ago.
It was his first ranking title success since 1992 and a tribute to his perseverance and belief in his own ability.
"One of my heroes is Roberto Duran and I've just tried to keep punching," said White after his win over Wembley Masters champion Hunter.
Joe Swail paid tribute to his coach Derek 'Del' Hill after last night's 10-5 upset of 1997 champion Ken Doherty.
Swail's win over Dubliner Doherty ensured two members of the world's top-16 elite failed to survive the opening weekend.
But at least the Irish pair were full of smiles after their match, unlike the acrimony following Quinten Hann's 10-4 loss to Devon qualifier Andy Hicks.
Hann threatened to fight Hicks on the Crucible steps after a war or words almost developed into something more physical.
"It was great," quipped Steve Davis, in his role as BBC TV pundit. "I've never seen anything like that before though. However, in the heat of the moment this tournament puts players under pressure."
Hann told Hicks "your short and bald and always will be - and you can have me outside anytime you want."
Hicks responded by saying: "That's you out of the top 16 next season."
Both are likely to escape punishment for their fracas, though referee Lawrie Annandale, who had to separate the pair at the end of the game, has reported Hann for swearing.
In contrast, Doherty told Swail after his first opening-round defeat for nine years: "Good luck, you are playing well enough to win it."