Snooker’s first World Championship amateur against the greatest to play the game is a recipe for disaster at the Crucible.

But when James Cahill takes to the table for his tournament debut against the great Ronnie O’Sullivan, the rookie admits he won’t be walking in with fear on his mind.

Never before had an amateur reached the main draw but victories over Andrew Higginson, Michael Holt and Michael Judge gave Cahill his moment of history.

Not that he is content with just being done there.

“It doesn’t get any harder than this but I’m playing really well, if the chances do come I’m playing well enough to take them,” he said.

“Everyone you draw here is an elite player, you’re going have to play well no matter who you’re against.

“It’s nice to play Ronnie, I’m going to have to play well but there is no pressure on me – I am expected to lose but I don’t mind that, I’ve been in that situation before.

“I don’t really fear anyone, if you start being scared of players then you’re a step behind anyway – I’m going to go for my shots and if they go in then happy days.”

Victories in his nascent career may be infrequent but scalps have certainly not passed Blackpool’s Cahill by.

Still only 23, last year’s UK Championship saw Cahill compete as an amateur, dumping world No.1 Mark Selby out of the competition with a 6-3 win.

Four years previously in the same competition a place in the last 16 came his way, victories over Mark King and third seed Ding Junhui proving he is certainly no slouch on the match table.

“I’ve made a lot of good steps this year, I’m working with a new coach to get the best game out of me,” he added.

“I’ve been practising hard, doing the right things with the right people around me, and hopefully now will be a good time for me to get back on the Tour and progress up the rankings.

Watch the World Championship LIVE on Eurosport and Eurosport Player with analysis from Jimmy White and Neal Foulds