ALAIN ROBIDOUX (Canada)

World ranking: 12

Age: 38

World Championship best: Semi-finalist 1997

Best ranking event performance: Runner-up 1996 German Open

1998/99 ranking form: Grand Prix - R1, UK -R1, Irish - R1, Welsh -R3, Scottish - R1, Thailand - R2, China -R1, British - R1.

The bearded French Canadian has slipped down to 37 in the provisional world rankings since losing in the semi-finals of the 1997 world championship.

His problems began when his old cue was smashed beyond repair in the summer of 1997. He has tried a succession of replacements and has threatened to retire at the end of the season if his slump continues.

He went 15 matches without victory before reaching the third round of the Welsh Open in January.

He reached the final of a ranking tournament for the only time at the German Open in December 1996 and although losing 9-7 to Ronnie O'Sullivan, he at least had the satisfaction of recording a break of 145.

Robidoux also has the distinction of being the only player to have made a maximum break during the UK qualifying stages of an overseas ranking tournament, the 1989 European Open.

Having failed to progress beyond the second round in nine previous attempts at the Crucible, he beat Brian Morgan, Stefan Mazrocis and Lee Walker to reach the semi-finals in '97 before going out 17-7 to Ken Doherty.

© PA Sporting Life