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THE TOP SIXTEEN
1. Ronnie O'Sullivan. Defending champion who has two titles to his name this season, winning in Belfast and at Wembley.The 33 year old from Chigwell is a three time champion, but he has never retained the trophy at the Crucible
2. Stephen Maguire. Best performance for the Glaswegian at The Crucible was as a semi finalist two years ago where he lost to John Higgins, a quarter finalist last year where he lost to Joe Perry. Question mark hangs over the 27 year olds temperament for the big occasion.
3. Shaun Murphy. Champion in 2005 but a round 2 casualty last season, losing to Alister Carter. The 26 year old picked up the UK Open title in Telford. Signs are that the Whiston man is returning to his best form
4. Mark Selby. The 25year old from Leicester was a beaten finalist in 2007 losing to John Higgins, after giving the Scotsman the fright of his life in the final, would no doubt rather forget last years championship where he crashed out in the first round to Mark King
5. John Higgins. Two times Champion in 1998 and 2007 beating Ken Doherty and Mark Selby respectively in the finals. A strong matchplayer who has claimed the Grand Prix title in Glasgow this season. The 33 year old from Wishaw lost his title last year to Ryan Day.
6.Stephen Hendry. Seven times world champion who is struggling for confidence, and consequently form. Dropping down the rankings as a result. Best result this season for the 40 year old from Auchterarder was in Shanghai when lost to Matthew Stevens in the semi finals. Was demolished by O'Sullivan in the semis last year at the Crucible.
7. Alister Carter. Newly crowned Welsh Open champion. Beaten finalist last year-The 29 year old from Tiptree was a semi finalist in 2007- beating Barry Hawkins, Shaun Murphy, Peter Ebdon and Joe Perry en route. He has the game to win at the Crucible. It is all about self belief for Alister.
8. Ryan Day. Ousted defending champion John Higgins in the second round last year at Sheffield. Has the ability, as he showed when finished runner up to Higgins in Glasgow at the Grand Prix. But does the 28year old from Pontycymmer have enough self belief to win the big one.
9. Peter Ebdon. Declining down the rankings, but the 2002 world champion, based in Dubai relishes the long format of the World Championship. The 38 year old was a quarter finalist last year, losing to Alister Carter.
10. Neil Robertson. The 27 year old was the winner of the Bahrain International, and a semi finalist at the Welsh Open. Sheffield though hasn't been a lucky venue for the Melbourne man, who is based in Cambridge- was eliminated in round 2 last year by O'Sullivan
11. Ding Junhui. The 22 year old from Yixing has struggled to build on his victory in the UK Open in 2005. Has had a poor season and in danger of dropping out of the top 16- needs two victories to stand a chance of retaining elite group status. Sheffield is not a lucky venue for Ding- he has never progressed beyond round 2- losing last year to Stephen Hendry
12. Joe Perry. Capable of beating anyone on his day. The classic player who sneaks through under the radar to reach the semi finals last year. The 34 year old from Fenland, Cambridgeshire has a victory over O'Sullivan to his name this season, beating Ronnie in the UK Open in Telford.
13. Graeme Dott. The 31year old from Larkhall who's season has been ruined by injury. Therefore he needs to make te semi finalis if he is to have any chance of staying in the top 16. Champion in 2006, but beaten in the first round last year by Joe Perry
14. Marco Fu. Hong Kong's finest. The 31 year old from the Happy Valley was a first round casualty last season when he lost to Ding Junhui
15. Mark King. The 34 year old from Romford has had a poor season and will lose his top 16 place. A man for who confidence is especially vital. Not to be underestimated given his defeat of Peter Ebdon in the opening round last year
16. Mark Allen. The 23 year old from Antrim who's form has deserted him in the second half of the season. However should not be taken lightly, almost upset Stephen Hendry last year before letting the occasion get the better of him. Best result in Sheffield came in 2007 when he defeated Ken Doherty before going out to Matthew Stevens
THE QUALIFIERS
Jamie Cope. Staffordshire potting machine who makes his second appearance at the Crucible. Has already one ranking final appearance on his record when he was runner up to Marco Fu in the Grand Prix in Aberdeen in 2007. World ranked 19 the 23 year old lost to Peter Ebdon last year in the first round
Joe Swail- World ranked 20 from Belfast the 39 year old is back in form after reaching the final of the Welsh Open. The Northern Irelander always does well at the Crucible, and has two semi final appearances in Sheffield on his record.
Stuart Bingham. The 32 year old from Basildon is noted for his ability to upset defending champions or favoured opponants. Sent reigning champion Stephen Hendry home early after beating him in the first round in 2000. World ranked 21
Mark Williams- World ranked 22 from Cwm, Ebbw Vale Two times world champion in 2001 & 2003. The 33 year old Welshman has regained his confidence and is a brilliant exponant of the long ball pot. Back in the top sixteen next season.
Nigel Bond. Derbyshire 43 year old, world ranked 23 who was runner up to Hendry in 1995. Exacted his revenge in 2006 when beating him in the first round of the championship. A methodical steady matchplayer
Barry Hawkins. World ranked 26th The former office clerk from Kent makes his fourth visit to The Crucible. Has lost on his last three visits in the opening round to Ken Doherty, Fergal O'Brien and Alister Carter. The 29 year old will turn 30 during the tournament came through qualifying beating Daniel Wells.
Stephen Lee. World ranked 26= The 34 year old from Trowbridge, Wiltshire was a semi finalist in 2003, losing to Mark Williams, who went on to win the title. A man whose cue action is very highly rated, his confidence has returned, and booked his place in Sheffield, beating Judd Trump in qualifying.
Steve Davis- World ranked 29 from Brentwood two quarter finals places this season give him an outside chance of a return to the top 16. The six times world champion is the oldest man in the field at the age of 51.
Gerard Greene. World ranked 33. The 35 year old from Northern Ireland, based in Kent makes his fourth appearance in Sheffield having lost out in the opening rounds previously to John Higgins, Peter Ebdon and Steve Davis. The left handed Greene claimed his Sheffield berth- beating Ken Doherty in qualifying
Michael Holt. Nottingham's hitman.. Aged 30 and ranked 34th in the world. There is no doubt about his potting, but his temperament is questionable. Contrived to lose to Steve Davis 13-10 in the second round from 8-2 up in 2005 after beating Paul Hunter in the first round.
Ricky Walden - World ranked 35. Born in Chester, now living in Flintshire, North Wales. The 26 year old sprang to prominenece after winning the Shanghai Masters. Has ensured himself a top 16 place for next season. It's his debut at the Crucible- how will nerves affect him.
Andrew Higginson. World ranked 38. The 31 year old from Widnes makes his first visit to the Crucible after beating Michael Judge in the final round of qualifying. A professional since 1995 he has a 147 maximum break to his name in front of the TV cameras, this came in the 2007 Welsh Open against Alister Carter.
Liang Wenbo. The 22 year old from Heilonjang, China is based in Sheffield. World ranked 40th he was a quarter finalist in 2008, beating Ken Doherty, Joe Swail before losing to O'Sullivan in the quarter finals.
Rory McLeod. World ranked 44th. The 38 year old from Wellingborough. Coach to the Qatar National team. A first time qualifier for the Crucible, beating Preston's Ian McCulloch in qualifying.
Jamie Burnett. The 33 year old from Hamilton makes his second appearance at the Crucible-13 years after making his debut, when he lost to Terry Griffiths in the first round. World ranked 45th. Came through qualfying match against Fergal O'Brien
Martin Gould. Part time croupier from Pinner, Middlesex who is shooting up the rankings from his world ranking of 63. The two times English Amateur Champion has already claimed the scalps of John Parrott Stephen Hendry and Matthew Stevens.
Suzy Jardine
1. Ronnie O'Sullivan. Defending champion who has two titles to his name this season, winning in Belfast and at Wembley.The 33 year old from Chigwell is a three time champion, but he has never retained the trophy at the Crucible
2. Stephen Maguire. Best performance for the Glaswegian at The Crucible was as a semi finalist two years ago where he lost to John Higgins, a quarter finalist last year where he lost to Joe Perry. Question mark hangs over the 27 year olds temperament for the big occasion.
3. Shaun Murphy. Champion in 2005 but a round 2 casualty last season, losing to Alister Carter. The 26 year old picked up the UK Open title in Telford. Signs are that the Whiston man is returning to his best form
4. Mark Selby. The 25year old from Leicester was a beaten finalist in 2007 losing to John Higgins, after giving the Scotsman the fright of his life in the final, would no doubt rather forget last years championship where he crashed out in the first round to Mark King
5. John Higgins. Two times Champion in 1998 and 2007 beating Ken Doherty and Mark Selby respectively in the finals. A strong matchplayer who has claimed the Grand Prix title in Glasgow this season. The 33 year old from Wishaw lost his title last year to Ryan Day.
6.Stephen Hendry. Seven times world champion who is struggling for confidence, and consequently form. Dropping down the rankings as a result. Best result this season for the 40 year old from Auchterarder was in Shanghai when lost to Matthew Stevens in the semi finals. Was demolished by O'Sullivan in the semis last year at the Crucible.
7. Alister Carter. Newly crowned Welsh Open champion. Beaten finalist last year-The 29 year old from Tiptree was a semi finalist in 2007- beating Barry Hawkins, Shaun Murphy, Peter Ebdon and Joe Perry en route. He has the game to win at the Crucible. It is all about self belief for Alister.
8. Ryan Day. Ousted defending champion John Higgins in the second round last year at Sheffield. Has the ability, as he showed when finished runner up to Higgins in Glasgow at the Grand Prix. But does the 28year old from Pontycymmer have enough self belief to win the big one.
9. Peter Ebdon. Declining down the rankings, but the 2002 world champion, based in Dubai relishes the long format of the World Championship. The 38 year old was a quarter finalist last year, losing to Alister Carter.
10. Neil Robertson. The 27 year old was the winner of the Bahrain International, and a semi finalist at the Welsh Open. Sheffield though hasn't been a lucky venue for the Melbourne man, who is based in Cambridge- was eliminated in round 2 last year by O'Sullivan
11. Ding Junhui. The 22 year old from Yixing has struggled to build on his victory in the UK Open in 2005. Has had a poor season and in danger of dropping out of the top 16- needs two victories to stand a chance of retaining elite group status. Sheffield is not a lucky venue for Ding- he has never progressed beyond round 2- losing last year to Stephen Hendry
12. Joe Perry. Capable of beating anyone on his day. The classic player who sneaks through under the radar to reach the semi finals last year. The 34 year old from Fenland, Cambridgeshire has a victory over O'Sullivan to his name this season, beating Ronnie in the UK Open in Telford.
13. Graeme Dott. The 31year old from Larkhall who's season has been ruined by injury. Therefore he needs to make te semi finalis if he is to have any chance of staying in the top 16. Champion in 2006, but beaten in the first round last year by Joe Perry
14. Marco Fu. Hong Kong's finest. The 31 year old from the Happy Valley was a first round casualty last season when he lost to Ding Junhui
15. Mark King. The 34 year old from Romford has had a poor season and will lose his top 16 place. A man for who confidence is especially vital. Not to be underestimated given his defeat of Peter Ebdon in the opening round last year
16. Mark Allen. The 23 year old from Antrim who's form has deserted him in the second half of the season. However should not be taken lightly, almost upset Stephen Hendry last year before letting the occasion get the better of him. Best result in Sheffield came in 2007 when he defeated Ken Doherty before going out to Matthew Stevens
THE QUALIFIERS
Jamie Cope. Staffordshire potting machine who makes his second appearance at the Crucible. Has already one ranking final appearance on his record when he was runner up to Marco Fu in the Grand Prix in Aberdeen in 2007. World ranked 19 the 23 year old lost to Peter Ebdon last year in the first round
Joe Swail- World ranked 20 from Belfast the 39 year old is back in form after reaching the final of the Welsh Open. The Northern Irelander always does well at the Crucible, and has two semi final appearances in Sheffield on his record.
Stuart Bingham. The 32 year old from Basildon is noted for his ability to upset defending champions or favoured opponants. Sent reigning champion Stephen Hendry home early after beating him in the first round in 2000. World ranked 21
Mark Williams- World ranked 22 from Cwm, Ebbw Vale Two times world champion in 2001 & 2003. The 33 year old Welshman has regained his confidence and is a brilliant exponant of the long ball pot. Back in the top sixteen next season.
Nigel Bond. Derbyshire 43 year old, world ranked 23 who was runner up to Hendry in 1995. Exacted his revenge in 2006 when beating him in the first round of the championship. A methodical steady matchplayer
Barry Hawkins. World ranked 26th The former office clerk from Kent makes his fourth visit to The Crucible. Has lost on his last three visits in the opening round to Ken Doherty, Fergal O'Brien and Alister Carter. The 29 year old will turn 30 during the tournament came through qualifying beating Daniel Wells.
Stephen Lee. World ranked 26= The 34 year old from Trowbridge, Wiltshire was a semi finalist in 2003, losing to Mark Williams, who went on to win the title. A man whose cue action is very highly rated, his confidence has returned, and booked his place in Sheffield, beating Judd Trump in qualifying.
Steve Davis- World ranked 29 from Brentwood two quarter finals places this season give him an outside chance of a return to the top 16. The six times world champion is the oldest man in the field at the age of 51.
Gerard Greene. World ranked 33. The 35 year old from Northern Ireland, based in Kent makes his fourth appearance in Sheffield having lost out in the opening rounds previously to John Higgins, Peter Ebdon and Steve Davis. The left handed Greene claimed his Sheffield berth- beating Ken Doherty in qualifying
Michael Holt. Nottingham's hitman.. Aged 30 and ranked 34th in the world. There is no doubt about his potting, but his temperament is questionable. Contrived to lose to Steve Davis 13-10 in the second round from 8-2 up in 2005 after beating Paul Hunter in the first round.
Ricky Walden - World ranked 35. Born in Chester, now living in Flintshire, North Wales. The 26 year old sprang to prominenece after winning the Shanghai Masters. Has ensured himself a top 16 place for next season. It's his debut at the Crucible- how will nerves affect him.
Andrew Higginson. World ranked 38. The 31 year old from Widnes makes his first visit to the Crucible after beating Michael Judge in the final round of qualifying. A professional since 1995 he has a 147 maximum break to his name in front of the TV cameras, this came in the 2007 Welsh Open against Alister Carter.
Liang Wenbo. The 22 year old from Heilonjang, China is based in Sheffield. World ranked 40th he was a quarter finalist in 2008, beating Ken Doherty, Joe Swail before losing to O'Sullivan in the quarter finals.
Rory McLeod. World ranked 44th. The 38 year old from Wellingborough. Coach to the Qatar National team. A first time qualifier for the Crucible, beating Preston's Ian McCulloch in qualifying.
Jamie Burnett. The 33 year old from Hamilton makes his second appearance at the Crucible-13 years after making his debut, when he lost to Terry Griffiths in the first round. World ranked 45th. Came through qualfying match against Fergal O'Brien
Martin Gould. Part time croupier from Pinner, Middlesex who is shooting up the rankings from his world ranking of 63. The two times English Amateur Champion has already claimed the scalps of John Parrott Stephen Hendry and Matthew Stevens.
Suzy Jardine
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