3. Stephen Hendry

Age: 36 Nationality: Scottish World ranking (start of season): 3 WC best: Winner 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999 Highest break: 147 (8 times) Total career earnings: £7,842,285

Not a lot more can be said about the multiple world champion.

Hendry dominated snooker in the 1990s and claimed a record seventh world title in 1999, when he beat Welshman Mark Williams.

After a slight form dip in the early part of this decade, Hendry won the 2003 British Open and this year's Malta Cup as he rose to world number two.

The Scotsman, who has won 36 ranking titles, will be desperate to become 'Hendry the Eighth' at the Crucible.

The 36-year-old is also 'king of the statistics', having made more than 600 centuries and a record eight tournament maximums.

He has won almost £8m in prize money - more than any player in the history of the game.