The Antrim cueman faces John Higgins in a high-profile second-round clash at the Crucible.
In hindsight, it all feels rather obvious. Of course Manchester City are stampeding towards another Premier League title. Of course they are coming into this defining period of the season on a run of 18 league matches without defeat. Of course they swept past Brighton here, winning 4-0 and barely breaking into a sprint.
Ferrari have been mooted as the most likely destination should Newey leave the world champions.