Provisional world ranking: 2

Age: 31

World Championship best: Winner seven times (1990, 1992-96, 1999)

Best ranking event performance: Winner of 32 tournaments - Grand Prix 1987, 1990, 1991, 1995; British Open 1988, 1991, 1999; Asian Open 1989, 1990; Dubai Duty Free Classic 1989, 1990, 1993; Embassy World Championship 1990, 1992-96, 1999; UK Championship 1989, 1990, 1994-96; Regal Welsh 1992, 1997; Scottish Open 1993 (International), 1997 (International), 1999; European Open 1993, 1994; Thailand Masters 1998.

1999/2000 ranking form: British - Wnr, Grand Prix - R5, UK - SF, China - SF, Welsh - R1, Malta - QF, Thailand - RU, Irish - RU, Scottish - R5.

Seven times world champion, Stephen took over from Steve Davis at the top of the rankings in 1990 and remained there until 1998. His record is second to none and he has vowed to take back his number one spot, currently held by John Higgins.

His main rival for that spot is Mark Williams, who defeated him in the Thailand Masters in March.

Hendry's season began where the last one ended, with victory. He beat Peter Ebdon to claim the 1999 British Open, making yet another maximum break on the way, his seventh in match play.

There is little in the game he hasn't achieved. Hendry has won 72 titles in all and is capable of adding many more.

The Scotsman has defeated Jimmy White four times at the Crucible and had won their first 14 encounters before he was beaten 10-4 at the 1998 World Championships.