ROB Walker was the usual bundle of unbridled enthusiasm in the media centre at the Crucible counting down the minutes to calling out Ronnie O’Sullivan, Robin Hull, Stuart Bingham and Ken Doherty on Saturday morning at the World Championship. Walker does plenty of other TV and radio work during tournaments, but the main focus at the blue-riband tournament is the build-up both on and off camera to players walking down the famous stairs. Like many of those working at the tournament Walker sets himself a list for ticking-off purposes, and was relieved when someone pointed out he would not have to do the 51 high-energy intros he was braced for over the 17-day marathon, but ‘only’ 46 – with five mornings off in the three-session days, including the two-day final.