1975: Born March 21.

1992: Turned professional at snooker after being a promising amateur boxer in his native Wales.

1993: Made first appearance in world championships but was beaten 5-2 in the qualifying round by David Wilson.

1997: First appearance at the Crucible Theatre. Beaten 13-8 in the second round by Stephen Hendry.

1998: Won the Benson and Hedges Masters when defeating Hendry 10-9 on the final black. Lost in the world semi-final to Ken Doherty.

1999: Lost in the world final to Stephen Hendry by 18 frames to 11. Won the UK Championship, defeating Matthew Stevens in the final.

2000: Already assured of being world number one player for next season - the first Welsh player to do so since Ray Reardon in 1982-83.

2000: Defeats Matthew Stevens 18-16 to win the Embassy World Championship.