By Saj Chowdhury

Delaney has rediscovered his form

Crucible debutant Joe Delaney will take a fortnight off from his part-time job in the family upholstery business to compete at the World Championship.

The 34-year-old, who came through final qualifying, is ranked 63 and needs to supplement his income from snooker.

"We do the nightclubs and hotels in Dublin," he said of his 'other' job.

"I'm fortunate I can take two weeks off and practise for an event, unlike other players who had jobs, couldn't get time to practise and packed in snooker."

Delaney, who hails from Dublin, turned professional in 1991, but has since found it difficult to make it to the final stages of ranking events.

He is one of 80 players on the main tour who travel regularly to the Pontin's holiday camp in Prestatyn, north Wales, in order to win qualification for the major tournaments.

"Basically, I haven't actually worked properly for about six months - if I had a normal job I would have been sacked by now," he said.

Prestatyn was "quiet" for World Championship qualifying according to Delaney, coming as it did during the holiday off-season.

I never stayed in once ain Blackpool and that's why I could hardly pot a ball during the qualifiers Delaney on his early days

But that was in stark contrast to when the qualifying was held in Blackpool, where Delaney admits the social aspect was as big as the snooker.

"That was something else," he recalled. "Every night was a mad one in Blackpool. I never stayed in once and that's why I could hardly pot a ball during the qualifiers.

"I was young then. There were times I would play and then not play for a few days before my next match and by that time I'd find it hard to pick up a cue.

Blackpool - the scene of a number of good nights for Delaney

"I was quite lucky with the finances though because the family business had done some work at a hotel in the town and I ended staying there for free, getting a nice breakfast and eating things like duck and steaks for dinner.

"I had a great time in Blackpool and have no regrets about the late nights, but I had absolutely no chance with the snooker."

Delaney dropped out of the main tour for three years before deciding he wanted one more crack at the big time.

His luck changed last month when he beat two-times Crucible semi-finalist Alan McManus 10-9 in the final qualifying round to take his place among the 32 heading to Sheffield.

"I got a great buzz when I beat McManus," he said. "I played really well.

"I was 3-1 down, then went 6-3 ahead before he came back strong. I knew he would keep battling and I was delighted to get across the line."

That result has earned him a first-round match with two-time finalist Matthew Stevens at the Crucible.

"He's a top player especially when it comes to the Crucible," Delaney added.

"But I'm not expecting too much. If I get a chance then hopefully I'll take it.

"I've got about 40 to 50 friends and family coming over from Ireland so it'll be a great atmosphere.

"And after the tournament I'll be off to Honolulu with my girlfriend as a treat."