Trivia

Plays with his left hand. Like Judd Trump, Jimmy White, Neil Robertson, Barry Hawkins, Mark Williams, Jack Lisowski and Mark King.

Was in a relationship with women's snooker world champion Reanne Evans. In 2006, they had a daughter together called Lauren.

From 1 December 2015 his ranking is 11.

Made 146, just one point away from the maximum of 147 twice in his career.

Turned professional in 2005.

During the 2016 UK Championship achieved the maxim of 147 for the first time in his career.

His intro song used to be 'Freed from desire' by Gala. Now it's 'Sweet Caroline' by Neil Diamond.

Runner-up at the 2017 International Championship in Daqing, China. He lost 7-10 to Mark Selby in the final.

As of 6 November 2017 his ranking is 6, the highest in his career.

Has a rivalry with snooker player Mark Joyce.

On 21 January 2018 won his first Masters. He defeated Kyren Wilson 10-7 in the final.

On 4 November 2018 won the International Championship as he defeated Neil Robertson 10-5 in the final.

On 16 December 2018 won the Scottish Open as he defeated Shaun Murphy 9-7 in the final.

On 17 October 2021 won the Northern Ireland Open as he defeated John Higgins in the final 9-8.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he spent three to four hours a day delivering groceries and prescription medications to vulnerable people in Antrim.

His stepson Robbie McGuigan became a noted amateur snooker player, winning under 16 and under 21 tournaments at an early age and achieving a 147 break in 2018 at the age of 13.

On 23 October 2022 successfully defended his title as he won the Northern Ireland Open. He defeated Zhou Yuelong 9-4 in the final.

Followed Ronnie O'Sullivan's advice to go on a strict diet and managed to shed over four stone (approximately 25.4 kg or 56 pounds) in five months.

Has 10 ranking titles.

On 20 November 2022 won the UK Championship when he beat Ding Junhui 10-7 in the final. He recovered from a heavy fallback from the first session when Ding Junhui led 6-2.

Engaged to Aideen Cassidy.

After the ending of 2022-2023 season was pronounced Player of the Year.

On 9 December 2023 won the Shoot Out Tournament as he beat Cao Yupeng in the final. Thus he became the first member of the top 16 to win this tournament since it became a ranking event.