WITH the announcement on Thursday that his appeal against a 12-year ban for match-fixing had been thrown out, the game certainly looks to be up for Stephen Lee.
Read MoreINSIDE SNOOKER STEPHEN LEE SPECIAL
GREAT BRITISH BREAK OFF
GREAT British Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood was one of the many celebrities to drop in on the Crucible during the Dafabet World Championship.
The 47-year-old star of the popular and BAFTA award-winning BBC show is getting ready for Series Five which goes to air later this year, and made two visits to the tournament.
Hollywood was also in the middle of a whistle-stop tour of the country, which brought him to Sheffield after shows in Scotland before heading on the Midlands.
A big snooker fan, Merseyside’s Hollywood caught Ronnie O’Sullivan in action in his semi-final against Barry Hawkins.
He said: “I might even knock up a cake up for the winner. It could be anything they want.
“It could be a snooker table, the Crucible building or the world trophy – as long as they don’t mind lemon drizzle! That’s quick and easy.
“This was the first time I had come to the Crucible and it was amazing in there, so intense.
“Ronnie O’Sullivan has been one of the players I love to watch so it was lucky he was playing when I happened to be around.
“He always moves round the table like he needs to be going somewhere.
“I really like snooker, and have worked in a few hotels over the years with a table downstairs and had a quick game with the other chefs.
“My highest break is about 28 back when I was playing more, and I probably play more pool these days.”
MOORE READY FOR CRUCIBLE FINALE
BRENDAN MOORE will referee the Dafabet World Championship final, a proud moment for a much respected official who lives just a short walk from the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
Read MoreSNOOKER'S UNSUNG HEROES: PAT WELLS
IT MAY not be a name recognisable to the public, but if you are in snooker you know Pat Wells – and the chances are she has got you out of a hole at some point.
Read MoreROBERTSON ALMOST IGNORED IN AUSTRALIA
NEIL Robertson admits that the lack of acknowledgment of his many achievements in his home country of Australia is a source of huge frustration.
Read MoreMcMANUS ENJOYS CAREER INDIAN SUMMER
ALAN McManus is poised to be the lowest-ranked player in the quarter-final line-up this year at the Dafabet World Championship, as well as the oldest.
Read MorePAUL HUNTER DAY AT THE CRUCIBLE
PAUL Hunter Day is always a significant one within the snooker community for any that knew, played against, watched, interviewed or just generally spent any time with him.
Read MorePERRY KNOWS HE HAS TO BE PERFECT
JOE PERRY is under no illusions about what will be required for him to spring a huge shock and knock out tournament favourite Ronnie O’Sullivan – perfect snooker.
Read MoreHIGGINS AND MCMANUS PLAY FOR SCOTS PRIDE
JOHN Higgins watched the Dafabet World Championship draw with Alan McManus – and there was a sharp intake of breath when they were paired together, with practice sessions immediately cancelled.
Read MoreWILSON ROARS BACK AFTER EARLY SETBACK
KYREN Wilson was left devastated when he fell off the tour three years ago – and much can be gleaned about his character by the way he has bounced back.
Read MoreCRUCIBLE 2014: THE MEDIA COVERAGE
THE Dafabet World Championship starts on Saturday – so what can we expect in the way of media coverage over the 17 days?
Read MoreDAVIS AT THE CRUCIBLE: FIVE OF THE BEST
As Steve Davis battles on Thursday to retain his professional status, we look back at some of his greatest Crucible moments…
Read MoreBEFORE THE CRUCIBLE
We look at the 1976 World Championship, whose many problems persuaded organisers to switch the event to the now iconic Crucible in Sheffield…
Read MoreTIME FOR CHINA'S HERO TO DO IT IN SHEFFIELD
DING Junhui’s record in ranking tournaments this season is so remarkable it seems incongruous that he is not a red-hot favourite to win a first world title.
Read MoreTEESSIDER STRUTS HIS STUFF IN CHINA
MIKE Dunn has saved his tour place in the grand manner in Beijing – by having his best ever run in a ranking tournament in his 23rd season as a professional.
Read MoreWILSON KEEPS METER RUNNING ON SNOOKER CAREER
We look at Gary Wilson’s prospects as he prepares for a live TV meeting with Marco Fu tonight…
Read MoreROCKET CANDID ABOUT NEW CAMERA ROLE
RONNIE O’Sullivan has revealed the reasons why he agreed to Eurosport’s offer to present his own television programme – after rejecting a host of big-money reality TV offers.
Read MorePRESTON'S FIVE OF THE BEST
As Preston Guild Hall prepares to host next week’s Wyldecrest Players Championship, we look at five of the best finals staged at the famous Lancashire venue…
Read MoreMAGICIAN TURNS IT AROUND IN STYLE
WHEN Shaun Murphy lost to Mark Selby 6-1 in their Masters semi-final in January it prompted a most uncharacteristic outburst from the former world champion.
Read MoreFRIENDLY RIVALRY FOR HAIKOU FINALE
We look ahead to Sunday’s Haikou World Open final as Mark Selby does battle with Shaun Murphy…
Read More