Provisional world ranking: 11

Age: 35

World Championship best: Winner 1991.

Best ranking event performance: Winner of nine tournaments: European Open 1989, 1990, 1996; Embassy World Championship 1991; Dubai Duty Free Classic 1991, 1992; UK Championship 1991; International Open 1994; Thailand Classic 1995.

1999/2000 ranking form: British - R4, Grand Prix - R4, UK - R4, China - Qual, Malta - QF, Thailand - R5, Irish - SF, Scottish - R3.

Parrott has had an illustrious career at the top and has spent many seasons inside the world's top six.

Despite his busy TV schedule, John is still hungry for success on the table and his semi-final appearance at the B&H Masters in February outlined this.

However, this season hasn't been too good for the Liverpudlian, as he has only progressed past once to the semi-final in any ranking event so far.

He is provisionally out to nine but will be looking for a good run at the Crucible, his 17th consecutive appearance, to secure a higher position for yet another season in the elite top 16.

John's enthusiasm for the game can't be faulted and he is the model professional for anyone wanting to take up the game.