ALEX LELY - THE NETHERLANDS

Age - 31
Based - The Hague, Holland
Nickname - The Plague from the Hague
Hobbies - Sports, Cooking & Eating
Cue Used - Predator Z
Achievements - 2005 European 8-Ball and 9-Ball Champion. 2005 Italian Open Champion. 1999 World Masters Champion. 1999 German Open Champion. 1999 Mosconi Cup representative. 2003 Fujeirah 8-Ball Champion. Currently ranked No.2 in Europe.

A consistent performer on the European stage over the past eight years, Lely’s pinnacle came in 1999 when he cut a swathe through the finest players in the game to lift this Masters title at his first attempt. Reyes, Takahashi and Bustamante were three of his victims that week.

The following year, to prove it wasn’t a fluke, he once again made it to the final where Ralf Souquet got the better of him, despite Alex having chances to win. Lely has had a fantastic 2005 with two golds and a bronze at the European Championships in April – won both the 9-ball and 8-ball divisions. He also claimed the Italian Open two weeks before his European triumphs, taking out an on-fire Sandor Tot in the final.

Alex is always good value and as well as being one of Europe’s top pool players, he is also a former Dutch international rugby player. Currently studying law full time, Lely became a father for the first time last year August. The Dutchman is a well schooled methodical player and if he hits the form of earlier this year, he could go all the way.