Steve Davis

World ranking — 29

Earnings — £5,614,058

HAVING played in every Premier Snooker League since its inception in 1987, the 50-year-old Davis will need to show a return to form this season if he is to maintain his position in the elite field.

Davis, who faces John Higgins at Kidderminster next Thursday, has won the event on four occasions – 1987 to 1990.

He has upset some big names over the past few years but never maintained a strong enough run to make an impact, although he did make the play-offs in 2006 when Ding Junhui withdrew.

With a 30-year career that has raked in 28 ranking titles as well as a host of invitational tournament wins, Davis has nothing to prove and in recent times seems to be enjoying his snooker more than ever.

As recently as 2005, Davis achieved a remarkable milestone at the UK Championship by reaching his 100th major final after knocking out Mark Allen, Stephen Maguire, Ken Doherty and Stephen Hendry.

His run was finally ended by Chinese whizz-kid Junhui who triumphed 10-6.