By Richard Preen

World Ranking: 9
Date Of Birth: 14/10/78
Form: R16/SF/SF/QF/SF
World Championship best: Last 16 - 2001

Paul Hunter, often referred to as the pretty boy of snooker, has matched his glamorous life off the table with some alluring performances on it.

Hunter has won five major professional trophies including three ranking events made up of two Welsh Opens and this season's British Open.

His non-ranking event wins have arrived in the prestigious Benson and Hedges Masters where he enjoyed back-to-back successes in 2001 and 2002.

Both finals went down to the wire beating Fergal O'Brien in the former and then Mark Williams in the latter including a recovery from 5-0 down.

This season has seen Hunter trying to creep into the world's top eight and consistent performances look likely to secure that.

He has also made two semi-finals appearances along with his British Open triumph which in turn has improved his provisional ranking by one position to number eight in the world.

The players that have gained results against him have all been ranked inside the top eight with one noticeable exception being Steve Davis, one of the form players of the season.

Hunter's World Championship record is one which he would like to improve upon. In seven appearances at the Crucible Hunter is yet to reach the quarter-finals.

Hunter, in his one venture past the first round, found the going tough in 2001 when he went down 13-5 to Stephen Hendry. Last year he saw a solid 6-3 lead turned against him as Quinten Hann rallied and progressed 10-9.

The draw has not fallen favourably for Hunter this time round as he's up against top prospect Ali Carter although his career form would indicate a decent Crucible run sooner or later.