Despite being ranked only 80th in the snooker global rankings, Si Jiahui has already made quite a name for himself.  

The Chinese young talent was still an amateur when he was brought in to make up the numbers in the 2021 UK Championship. While his involvement in the 128-player event wasn't particularly noteworthy, what occurred next was nothing short of astounding. 

To the surprise of everyone, Si managed to knock out former world champion Shaun Murphy in the very first round. What was even more astonishing was the explosive remarks that followed the conclusion of the thrilling tie. 

"I am going to sound like a grumpy old man but that young man shouldn't be in the tournament," Murphy told reporters after his early exit. "I feel extremely hard done by that I have lost to someone who shouldn't even be in the building." 

"It is wrong, in my opinion, to walk into somebody who is not playing with the same pressures and concerns I am ... He played like a man who does not have a care in the world because he does not have a care in the world. It is not fair, it is not right. 

"I am not picking on him as a young man, he deserved his victory, but amateurs should not be allowed in professional tournaments, the end."

The sensational outburst caused an outcry and Murphy later apologized, but Si was unable to sustain his impressive performance, and over time, the media began to lose interest in him. 

Two years later, however, Si rose to fame once again.  

The 20-year-old Chinese debutant, who had to win three qualifying matches just to reach his first ever World Championship, stormed into the quarterfinals of the showpiece event after a thrilling 13-7 win over Welsh Open winner Robert Milkins. 

Despite being the the lowest-ranked player left in the tournament, Si overcame a nervy start to the session and wrapped up his triumph with a stunning break of 105. The victory means he has now become the youngest World Championship quarterfinalist in 25 years and only the fifth player from China to have reached the last eight of the event. 

"I can't believe I've made it to the quarterfinals," said an emotional Si after his breakthrough. "I've even surprised myself. I'm just playing as if I am trying to learn from the other players. I'm very honored to be in this position. I just wanted to play, perform and enjoy this Crucible experience." 

Si credited his current fine form to his trip back home in February.  "After the Welsh Open, I went back to China and spent 20 days with my family," he said. "I had a great time with my parents and hung out with my girlfriend. I was homesick because it had been three years since I last went home.  

"My father owns a pool club and all the customers were watching me playing. It's great speaking to my dad after matches, to get motivation, he's been genuinely great and supportive.  

"Even when it's after midnight in China when I'm playing, they all stay in the club on to cheer for their local boy. I'm sure they will do the same for my next match." 

Si will next take on Anthony McGill, who ousted Jack Lisowski 13-8 in their second round match later in the day. 

"McGill has a very decent Crucible record," observed Si. "The only department of game I can compete against him is attacking because my safety is supposed to be the worst among the 32 players!" 

"Since the qualifiers, I have felt peaceful and calm emotionally," he added. "I treat it as if it's a minor event, like a daily practice, and I try to enjoy the Crucible."