A British professional snooker player who won several ranking titles, including five World Championship titles, and was known for his attacking style of play.
Stephen Lee, a former professional snooker player, is widely recognized for his impressive career-high ranking of fifth in the snooker world rankings during the 2000-01 season. With five ranking titles under his belt, Lee was a force to be reckoned with on the snooker circuit.
Lee turned professional in 1992 after winning the English Amateur Championship. During his first season as a professional, he achieved an all-time record of 33 successive frames won during qualifying matches. His best performances in Triple Crown events include reaching the semifinals of the 2003 World Championship, where he lost to eventual champion Mark Williams, and finishing as runner-up to Mark Selby in the 2008 Masters.
Throughout his professional career, Lee compiled an impressive 184 century breaks. His smooth cue action was often praised by fans and critics alike, earning him a reputation as one of the most skilled players in the sport.
In 2010, West Midlands police arrested Lee as part of an investigation into suspicious betting patterns at the 2009 UK Championship. Although no further action was taken against him at the time, further reports of irregular betting patterns led to his suspension by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) in 2012. An independent tribunal found Lee guilty of influencing the outcome of seven matches in 2008 and 2009, resulting in a 12-year ban from competing in or attending any WPBSA-affiliated tournament.
In addition to his ban, Lee was ordered to pay the WPBSA £125,000 in costs relating to his hearing and appeal. However, he has yet to fulfill this obligation.
Born on October 12, 1974, Lee's 50th birthday will mark the end of his 12-year ban in 2024. Despite his fall from grace, Lee's legacy as a skilled snooker player remains intact.
Lee's 12-year ban was the longest handed down in the sport until Liang Wenbo and Li Hang received lifetime bans in 2023. His case serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of match-fixing and the importance of maintaining the integrity of professional sports.
While Stephen Lee's career was marred by controversy, his talent and achievements on the snooker table remain an inspiration to fans and aspiring players alike.
41 Years Old
Midfielder who played for clubs like Rangers and Southampton, earning 126 caps for Northern Ireland, and is their most-capped player.
57 Years Old
A legendary snooker player and journalist, dominating the sport with a record 36 ranking titles and 7 World Championship wins, earning him the nickname "The King of Snooker".
50 Years Old
A six-time World Snooker Champion and renowned radio host, known for his exceptional cue skills and charismatic on-air personality.
57 Years Old
A Canadian-German ice hockey player and coach who had a long career in the NHL and European leagues, known for his goaltending skills and later coaching stints.
94 Years Old
A six-time World Snooker Champion, renowned for dominating the sport in the 1970s, and also serving as a police officer.
