WORLD SNOOKER PLAYER PROFILES

Lee - reached last four in 2003. (9) Stephen Lee World Ranking: 9 Provisional Ranking: 11 Date Of Birth: 12/10/74 World Championship Best: Semi-finals - 2003 Lee slipped out of the world's top eight for the first time in six years after a disappointing 2003/04 campaign - and the slide looks set to continue. Two ranking-event quarter-finals - at the UK Championship and the Irish Masters - are Lee's best results this season. Renowned for his fine cue action, the Wiltshire player reached the last four here two years ago before losing to eventual champion Mark Williams. He was unable to repeat that last season, surprisingly losing 10-7 to Lee Walker in the very first round. Lee has three ranking titles to his name, but the last one came back in 2002 - and that is reflected in his ranking slip. Given Lee's form, it is hard to see him making much of an impact at the Crucible, especially given his is in reigning champ Ronnie O'Sullivan's quarter of the draw.