Ronnie O'Sullivan has heaped praise on Chris Wakelin for his mental fortitude during his shock victory over Neil Robertson at the Crucible.
The seven-time world champion was impressed by Wakelin's ability to "hold himself together" after surrendering a commanding 7-2 lead.
"I know coming out for the final session that Wakelin will play better and he did," O'Sullivan said from the TNT Sports studio.
"Neil didn't play bad but it's just the way it is at the Crucible, when it gets a bit nervy you're going to miss a few balls."
Neil Robertson crashed out of the World Snooker Championship on Sunday night
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O'Sullivan added: "But I thought Chris held himself together well, giving up that big lead."
Wakelin produced one of the early shocks of the World Snooker Championship by knocking out 2010 champion Neil Robertson in a thrilling first-round encounter.
It marked Wakelin's first victory at the championship at his fourth attempt.
The 33-year-old Englishman will now face either Fan Zhengyi or Mark Allen for a place in the quarter-finals.
The dramatic win came on a night of surprises at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre, which also saw Barry Hawkins suffer a first-round exit at the hands of Hossein Vafaei.
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Ronnie O'Sullivan has heaped praise on Chris Wakelin for his mental fortitude during his shock victory over Neil Robertson at the Crucible
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Wakelin's triumph has been described as one of the most difficult first-round draws Robertson could have faced.
Robertson, the Australian former champion, had found himself in deep trouble after a one-sided first session left him trailing 7-2.
The 2010 winner showed his championship pedigree by mounting a spirited fightback, winning five frames in a row to level the match at 7-7.
With the Sheffield crowd transfixed, the contest headed to a nail-biting final frame decider.
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Despite the mounting pressure and having seen his substantial lead evaporate, Wakelin rediscovered his composure when it mattered most.
The Englishman held his nerve to claim an absorbing final frame and complete a memorable victory over one of the tournament favourites.
Speaking after his victory, Wakelin acknowledged the quality of Robertson's comeback.
"Neil played unbelievable to get back to 7-7," he said.
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"I didn't expect him to roll over, he's a true champion. I managed to fall over the line, but it's really difficult out there."
The 33-year-old was clearly delighted with his breakthrough win at the Crucible.
"I've had an amazing season, but to do well here this week would be incredible," Wakelin added.
O'Sullivan believes Wakelin's breakthrough tournament victory is imminent.
Chris Wakelin beat Neil Robertson at the World Snooker Championship
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"He should have been a seed really. He's played well all season, got to the final and he's had a lot of good results," O'Sullivan said.
"I think it's only a matter of time before he wins a tournament."
The Rocket highlighted Wakelin's self-belief as crucial to his success.
"You know Chris Wakelin is going to come in, he's going to fancy a job against anybody and that's probably 70 per cent of the battle."
