Trivia

Best run at the World Championship is the quarter-final and 2005 he became the first player to beat John Parrott in a World Championship qualifier.

Has 181 century breaks.

Turned pro in 1991.

Started the 2007-2008 campaign in Shanghai where he had beaten Paul Davies and Barry Hawkins in qualifying rounds, however, he lost to Steve Davis in the first round.

Highest ranking is 9 (2000-2001).

Qualified for the Players Tour Championship 2011-2012 Finals but lost 0-4 to Joe Perry.

At the 2016 Championship League achieved the maximum of 147.

Came close to winning the Masters title in 2001. After beating Mark Williams, Ken Doherty and Dave Harold, he lost in the final to Paul Hunter after leading 7-3.

His greatest achievement was winning the British Open in 1999, beating Anthony Hamilton 9-7 in the final.

Qualified for the Grand Prix in the 2007-2008 season but lost four of his group matches to finish 5th in his group ahead of only Graeme Dott.

Won the 2011 Lucan Racing Classic defeating Ken Doherty 5-2.

As of 26 September 2016 his ranking is 52.

Won the 2010 Irish Classic defeating Michael Judge 5-1.

Is the only player to score a century in his first frame at the World Championships in the Crucible, which he achieved against Alan McManus in 1994 (though he lost the match 10-7 and did not qualify again until 1998).

Is a professional snooker player.

The song he chose to go out on stage is 'Jump Around' by House of Pain.