OnlineSnooker

BORN 12th October 1974
BIRTHPLACE Trowbridge, England
TURNED PRO 1992
EARNINGS 00/01 Ł112,326
RANKING 8
HIGHEST RANKING 5
PERSONAL SPONSORS 110sport
Highland Spring

Achievements

1998 - Grand Prix
1999 - Millennium Cup
2001 - LG Cup
Biography
The 1998 Grand Prix proved Stephen Lee's exceptional ability to the snooker world. He completed his first ranking tournament win with a 9-2 demolition of Marco Fu, and his outstanding play in the final was recognised by his opponent who said, "I've lost 9-2 and I didn't make nine mistakes."

A former English Amateur champion, Lee turned professional in 1992, and made an impact at the ranking event qualifiers by winning a record 33 consecutive frames in the different events.

He joined the elite top 16 for the 1997/98 season, but missed out on valuable ranking points in the British Open in April 1999 and the Regal Scottish 2000, when he was injured.

When he was world No.9, Lee celebrated his first invitation to the prestigious B&H Irish Masters by reaching the final. He coasted into a 5-0 lead against Stephen Hendry and in the evening session led 8-4. But he could not sustain the form he had shown throughout the tournament when Hendry fought back and Lee eventually lost out 9-8.

In 1999/2000, as world No.6, Lee won the Hong Kong Millennium Cup in August, but did not reach another final until December. Then he was unlucky to meet Ronnie O'Sullivan in top form at the China Open. In January 2000, he was part of the English team which beat defending champions Wales to take the Nations Cup. The Regal Welsh provided another final appearance, but despite a fine performance, he lost out in a final-frame decider against John Higgins.

Although he was disappointed at the Embassy World Championship, Lee still rose one place on the rankings to his best ever position at No.5.

Last season was a disappointment by comparison, although Lee still reached the semi-finals of the Regal Welsh. He narrowly missed out on a place in the quarter-finals of the world championship after a prolonged tussle with Peter Ebdon - who did himself no favours with the fans as he celebrated before the players had shaken hands.

Stephen regards his strengths as his technique and the ability to play a good safety game. He is widely believed to have the best cue action in the game. He has received coaching since he first started playing from Frank Adamson of Bristol.

Away from the table Stephen has a variety of hobbies and interests, including his family's collection of rare parrots. His musical tastes are U2 and Oasis, but possibly closest to his heart is his passion for cars. He can often be found 'tinkering' underneath his car at his local garage. He is regularly accompanied on the circuit by father, Colin, whose wry sense of humour makes him a popular figure.