The Melbourne Machine had been simmering on the scene since turning professional in 1998.

But in 2006 he leapt out of the shadows to win the Grand Prix followed by the Welsh Open later in the season.

In the last three campaigns, he has jumped from 68th to 28th to 13th in the rankings - and the 25-year-old resides in fifth spot in the provisional list.

He faces one-time top 16 player Joe Perry in the first round.