The odds were stacked against Bradford's Joe Johnson surviving on the main tour this season.

Not only did the 50-year-old have repeat laser treatment on his right eye in the summer - he had repeat treatment on his left eye in January, 2002 - but also a heart by-pass operation.

And then weeks later he was straight into qualifying tournaments.

"I more or less came straight out of hospital into the qualifiers," said the former world champion, who is the oldest player among the sport's elite 128.

"And by the time the World Championships came around in Blackpool I needed to win three matches, and I did it.

"I beat David McLellan 10-5, Simon Bedford 10-6 and Bradley Jones 10-9 before losing 10-7 to Ian McCulloch.

"And even in that match I recovered from 6-1 down to

6-6, and had a chance to lead

8-7, and that was the turning point."

Johnson added: "I have been threatening to play well all season, and even the matches I have lost, bar one, have been very close.

"And even the one where I was heavily beaten were all black-ball games."

Of his all-Bradford clash against Fairweather Green's Bedford, Johnson said: "The only difference between us was that I got the running, which you tend to get when you are playing well. I got a few nudges, and fluked the odd ball."

Left-hander Bedford, a mere 26, said: "Yes, Joe did get the running, but I hope I am playing as well as he is when I am his age."

Johnson, who manages himself says: "I have a few more exhibition commitments stretching into next month and then I am going to take a rest."