Australia's Neil Robertson became the first man from outside the British Isles to reach the World Championship final since 1983 with a 17-12 win over England's Ali Carter here on Saturday.
The 28-year-old went into the fourth session at The Crucible theatre with a 15-9 lead in the best of 33 frames semi-final, and held off a Carter fightback to go through.
He faces Scotland's Graeme Dott, who beat England's Mark Selby 17-14, in the final, to be played over Sunday and Monday.
"I don't think this is my best achievement. I think winning a ranking title is still better," the Melbourne left-hander said.
"But in terms of a really proud moment, during a World Championship you're representing your country a little more.
"Hopefully this will get a lot of attention from back home now.
"I've been told there was a possibility of them showing the final live on television back home in Australia. I can't think of that happening before.
"I knew what a big moment it was for my country, so I had a lot of stuff to deal with.
"Hopefully this can go ahead and they can show it live, it would be absolutely amazing."
Robertson showed some early nerves in the final session and lost three of the first four frames, but his lead was so substantial there was little danger of Carter catching him.
When the Australian was 15-11 up, Carter got probably the fluke of the tournament at 44-42 ahead.
After missing a red to a top corner pocket the ball travelled up the table, off baulk and side cushions before meeting the white again and bouncing into the right centre pocket.
But Robertson got back in the frame to go 16-11 ahead.
Carter claimed the next frame but in the following frame, the Essex potter missed several chances to stop Robertson progressing to win the clash.
Robertson is now eyeing the chance to become the first player from outside the British Isles to claim the title since Canadian Cliff Thorburn triumphed in 1980.
Robertson is the first man from outside Britain and Ireland to reach the final since 1983, when Thorburn lost to England's Steve Davis.
He is the first Australian to reach the final since 1975 when Eddie Charlton lost 31-30 to Ray Reardon in a tournament staged at Charlton's club in Melbourne.
Horace Lindrum, who triumphed 94-49 in 1952, is the only Australian to have won the world title.
Robertson, dubbed the Thunder from Down Under, is the most successful player from outside the British Isles in ranking tournaments.
His previous best World Championship performance was reaching the semi-finals last year.
Source: AFP European Edition
