The 33-year-old from Walsall beat the legendary, five-time world champion in the China Open last week before bowing out in the last 16 to home hero Ding Junhui.

He is one of three West Midlands hopefuls - along with Dudley star Reanne Evans and Oldbury-based club, Brandhall Labour's Mitchell Mann -competing in the World Championship qualifiers, which started today at Ponds Forge, Sheffield.

Needing three wins to make it to the home of snooker, Joyce faces Jordan Brown in the first round of the knockout format tomorrow at 10am.

''Although classed as an amateur now, he was on the pro tour five or six years ago,'' said Joyce. ''He is a good player, he plays a lot with Mark Allen. He's good friends with Mark so I am sure he has been practising with him in the build-up to this.''