Nigel Bond believes becoming the oldest Betway UK Championship quarter-finalist in 39 years was written in the stars.

The 54-year-old had stunned the York Barbican crowd by dumping reigning world champion Judd Trump out of the first Triple Crown event of the season in round three.

But Bond continued his remarkable run with a dramatic 6-5 triumph over Gary Wilson in the last 16, coming from 5-2 behind to clinch the final four frames and become the oldest player to reach the last eight since Fred Davis in 1980.

And despite admitting he was somewhat disappointed he couldn’t rediscover the same level of performance that earned victory over Trump, the former world No.5 couldn’t hide his delight at equalling his best-ever UK Championship finish.

“I’m over the moon to get through,” he said. “I’ve made the quarter-finals for the first time since 2003 which is fantastic and I can’t wait to get back out there again.

“But it was a frustrating match. I was disappointed with the way I played after beating Judd, but every day is different and it’s not always easy out there.

“I was really lucky with a fluke in the last frame, and before that I was really fortunate that the balls were covered after I missed a red. At that point you start wondering whether it’s fate.

“It’s brilliant to go through. I’m proud of the fact I’ve been a pro for 31 years and this result might help me continue doing it for a bit longer.”

Victory for Bond sees him pitched against two-time runner-up Mark Allen with a semi-final spot up for grabs, and Bond is wary of the threats posed by a player ranked 91 places higher than him in the standings.

But having overcome two huge obstacles – and four matches in total – already in Yorkshire, Bond insisted he is primarily hoping for an improved performance on one of snooker’s most prestigious stages.

He said: “It’s not too much about who I’m playing for me now. If I play well – to the best of my ability – then I’ve got every chance of competing and winning, and that’s what’s most important to me.

“Hopefully I play a bit better against Mark than I did today. I’ve not played him too many times and it’s a tough game again, but hopefully I can get more of a rhythm going.”

Watch the UK Championship live on Eurosport and Eurosport Player with analysis from Ronnie O’Sullivan and Jimmy White.