Dave Gilbert offers advice after being shocked by Aaron Hill’s snooker

Dave Gilbert is back at the Crucible for a 12th time (Picture: Getty Images) Dave Gilbert got the better of Aaron Hill in World Championship for the second year on the spin on Tuesday, but was left shocked by his opponent’s approach to the game. The former Crucible semi-finalist downed the Irishman 10-6 on Judgement Day of the qualifiers, having beaten him 10-9 at the same stage last year. Hill is one of the best young players on the professional tour and has been climbing the rankings this season, but the 24-year-old is still looking to make his Crucible debut. Gilbert, who will play at the iconic theatre for a 12th time this month, felt Hill was far too negative in their latest meeting and reckons attack is the best plan of action in big games. ‘I thought it was going to be a real tear-up,’ Gilbert told WST. ‘I thought Aaron was very attacking and it was going to be a score-fest but he played so negative and the game got bogged down all the way through. But over the moon with the win.’ The 44-year-old added in his post-match press conference: ‘I don’t want to be involved in matches like that. I was shocked how negative Aaron played. I thought he was going to come out and attack. Are you mad about snooker? You're in the right place. I'm Phil Haigh, and I cover the game we all love for Metro. In my new newsletter, The Table, I'll be analysing the biggest talking points, breaking down frames and crowning the week's winners and losers every Monday. With another brilliant World Championships just around the corner, now is the time to join. Sign up here. Phil has been reporting on snooker for over a decade, since working in World Snooker's press office in 2012 ‘He pots so many good single balls but then just seemed to want to play safe all the time. Aaron Hill has reached number 40 in the world rankings (Picture: Getty Images) ‘My experience tells me if you want to beat the bigger players, especially to go deep in competitions, you’ve got to attack.’ Hill is mentored by former professional Fergal O’Brien and Gilbert wondered if it was a ploy the pair had rustled up to get the better of him. ‘I was shocked. Maybe that was the game plan with Fergal to try and cabbage me,’ he said. ‘It certainly stopped me playing a little bit.’ Gilbert made two centuries in the match with four more half-centuries, while Hill managed just one run over 50. Gilbert is coming off a very disappointing season so far (Picture: Getty Images) It has been a disappointing season for the Angry Farmer so far, currently number 40 on the one-year rankings, but it can dramatically improve with a run at the Crucible. Ahead of Thursday morning’s draw, he said: ‘Listen, I’m not one of the newbies that’s going to come here and say they want Ronnie [O’Sullivan]. There’s a few in the draw I think I’m easily as good as if my head’s on. ‘There’s a lot in there that’s miles better than me. But I’m excited to get to the Crucible. ‘I haven’t enjoyed playing snooker for a while. I missed Yushan [World Open], put a few weeks’ practice in and I’ve actually enjoyed playing again, so it’s nice to be going to the Crucible.’ Gilbert lost to eventual champion Kyren Wilson in the 2024 semis (Picture: Getty Images) Gilbert admits that he regularly struggles for motivation and focus over the season, but was very keen to get back to the Crucible and repeat the kind of success he managed on runs to the 2019 and 2024 semis. Veteran World Snooker Championship qualifier admits he has 'no chance' at the Crucible Stephen Hendry rates 'frightening' Zhao Xintong's chances of breaking Crucible curse World Snooker Championship qualifiers draw, schedule and how to watch ‘The last few years I’ve missed so many comps and wasted so many opportunities,’ he said. ‘I was like, blummin hell it’s the Crucible. It’s the only place I’m particularly interested in playing in. ‘I’d love to play at the Masters, but it’s impossible when you’re like me, so up and down, to get back into the 16. ‘The Crucible is a special place. I’ve wasted a few chances there. I’ve realised, getting a bit older, I might not play many more, but it’s a special place and I want to be a part of it. ‘I want to go out there and show my little girl I can play a little bit still.’ Arrow MORE: Stephen Hendry names his ‘handful’ of World Snooker Championship contenders Arrow MORE: Veteran World Snooker Championship qualifier admits he has ‘no chance’ at the Crucible Arrow MORE: Snooker wonderkid Stan Moody discharges himself from hospital to book Crucible debut Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source The Table Stay ahead of snooker's next big break with Metro's resident expert Phil Haigh in his new weekly newsletter.

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