World Ranking: 3
Provisional Ranking: 2
Date Of Birth: 13/01/1969
World Championship Best: Winner - 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999

It is agreed by most pundits that Stephen Hendry is the greatest player in the history of snooker.

An almost complete dominance of the 90s ensured that his name was chiselled into the World Championship trophy a record seven times.

With his relentless attacking play the Scot has helped to change the way in which the game is played and by doing so has racked up over 600 century breaks.

Since his all-conquering decade Hendry has admitted that he has, in spells, been short of motivation but as his seven victories in Sheffield prove the Crucible brings the best out of him.

Hendry will arrive in South Yorkshire after another solid season which has seen him add the Malta Cup to his unrivalled list of honours.

He also walked away from the Welsh Open and China Open with the runners-up prize after being beaten by Ronnie O'Sullivan and Ding Junhui respectively.

In last year's competition he reached the semi-finals but could only watch as an on-song O'Sullivan potted his way to an astonishing 17-4 victory.

This year the 36-year-old is on the other half of the draw and will harbour realistic hopes of reaching yet another Crucible final.