I was never a playboy but I was an out and about boy.

First thing about snooker, find a cue you're happy with. Then stick with it.

I used to be jack the lad, I was out a lot, I was mainly waking up with hangovers at tournaments rather than preparing.

To be honest, most of my troubles - bankruptcy, drinking, gambling - were self-inflicted.

Talent, it can become a trap.

I grew up in south London and spent most of my adolescence in the snooker halls of the area, turning professional at 17.

I've survived through my love for the game.

From having no money and coming from a very proud working class family, it was tough. But then all of a sudden we had loads and loads of cash. I realised that this was a great opportunity to do what I love for a living. I was going to tournaments up and down the country and I was able to win anything from five to seven thousand pounds.

Ronnie is a very clever winner. He will make sure that he does everything in his power to win the tournament. He is super-fit.