Gilbert was knocked out in the third round of both the UK Championship and China Open 6–3 to Marco Fu and 5–3 to Higgins respectively. Gilbert won three matches to qualify for the World Championship and faced Ronnie O'Sullivan in the first round.
Gilbert was eliminated from both the UK Championship and China Open in the third round by Marco Fu and John Higgins, losing 6–3 and 5–3 respectively. Nevertheless, Gilbert secured three victories to secure a spot in the World Championship, where he faced Ronnie O'Sullivan in the first round.