1977: Born September 11.

1994: Turned professional.

1995: Participated in the world championship for the first time when losing in the qualifying round to Barry Pinches.

1996: Lost in the world qualifying round to Richy McDonald.

1997: Qualified to play at the Crucible Theatre for the first time but lost 10-7 to Andy Hicks in the first round.

1998: Reached the world quarter-finals where he lost 13-10 to Ken Doherty. Lost the final of the UK Championship 10-6 to John Higgins.

1999: Repeated that feat when he was trounced 13-5 by Stephen Hendry. Went through to the final of the UK Championship where he was beaten 10-8 by Mark Williams.

2000: Won the Benson & Hedges Masters in February when he defeated Ken Doherty 10-8 in the final. Reached his first world final after ending the challenge of fans' favourite Joe Swail.

2000: Loses in final of Embassy World Championship 18-16 to Mark Williams.