Profile

Mark Selby was snooker's youngest professional when he joined the paid ranks as a 16-year-old in 1999, but it wasn't until the 2007 888.com World Championship that he really began to show the world what he can do.

His amazing run to the final at the Crucible Theatre everyone sit up and notice his talents. He threatened to pull off the biggest comeback in the history of the sport's most prestigious tournament before eventually succumbing 18-13 to John Higgins.

Nevertheless, Mark's heroics on the table - and his antics around the green baize which earned him his 'Jester from Leicester' nickname - endeared him to a whole new legion of fans.

But just as importantly, Mark finally clinched that coveted place in the top 16 which he had been promising to do ever since he burst on to the professional scene.

It also proved the springboard to future success - and that all-important first title win.

And he could not have done it at a more prestigious tournament, winning the 2008 Saga Insurance Masters at Wembley. That came hot on the heels of a string of semi-final appearances in the 2007/08 season, but more was to come.

Mark quickly followed up his Masters triumph with his first ranking event title when he came from behind against Ronnie O'Sullivan to win the Welsh Open in thrilling style.

It also secured him a career-high world ranking of No.4, making him one of the most dangerous and feared players.

Despite reaching the final of the Masters for the second year running in 2009, Mark had a quieter season than the one before, although he still went into the 2009/10 campaign ranked No.7 in the world.

Mark is also a dab hand at pool, having won the EPA World Eight-Ball title in 2006 and playing regular for the Leicestershire County side.

The future certainly is bright for one of snooker's young stars.

Factfile

Date of birth: June 19th, 1983
World ranking: 7th
Career highlights: Masters champion 2008 and 2010, Welsh Open champion 2008; 2010 Six Reds World Championship winner; runner-up in the 2007 World Championships, 2009 Masters and 2003 Scottish Open; winner of the 2006 ImproveYourPool.com World Eight-Ball Championship
Highest tournament break: 147 in the 2009 Jiangsu Classic, China
Nicknames: The 'Jester from Leicester', and 'Mark the Shark'
Star sign: Gemini
Favourite subject at school: Maths
Favourite sport other than snooker: Football
Favourite book: Roy Keane's autobiography
Worst habit: Biting my finger nails
Favourite snooker player: Ronnie O'Sullivan
Favourite snooker player when growing up: Stephen Hendry
Favourite sports star: Tiger Woods
What sports were you good at when at school: Running
Favourite football team: Leicester City
Favourite film: Forrest Gump
Favourite pop star: Timberlake
Favourite food: Indian
Best piece of advice anyone has given you: Enjoy life, and live every day like it might be your last
Favourite colour: Blue
Favourite drink: Budweiser
Favourite TV programme: Question of Sport