Things did not get a great deal better as Lee was then beaten 9-4 by Neil Robertson in York at The UK Championship.

However, the New Year has seemingly re-energised the man from Trowbridge. The renaissance began at Wembley, where he hammered Stephen Maguire 6-0, followed by a tense victory over Graeme Dott. It looked as though he might beat Ronnie O’Sullivan in the semi-final but the world number one's nerve ultimately held to win through 6-5.

The 1998 Grand Prix champion had an off day against Barry Pinches in Malta but he shook off the disappointment of a first round exit by going all the way in Newport. Comfortable 5-2 wins over Drew Henry, Mark Selby and Graeme Dott were followed by a brave 6-5 victory over Anthony Hamilton, despite breaking his tip. The week was finished off with a resounding 9-4 triumph over world champion Shaun Murphy.

Although he was beaten 5-4 by James Wattana in the last tournament in China, the world number ten goes to Sheffield in good spirits and is hopeful that he will be around well into the second week.

If he gets past Allister Carter in the first round, he will in all probability face Neil Robertson, the man who beat him in York. Even if he prevails, his progress is likely to be curtailed by a certain Mr Hendry.

Prediction: Quarter-final departure