Matthew Stevens
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| Matthew Stevens | |
|---|---|
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| Personal Information | |
| Date of birth | September 11, 1977 |
| Nationality | Welsh |
| Nickname | The Welsh Dragon |
| Career | |
| Professional | 1994–current |
| 2005/6 World Ranking | 4 |
| Best World Ranking | 4 (2005/06) |
| World Championship Best | Runner-up (2000, 2005) |
| Highest Break | 145 (1996) |
| Ranking Tournament Wins | |
| UK Championship | 2003 |
| Other Tournament Wins | |
| Benson & Hedges Masters | 2000 |
Matthew Stevens (born September 11, 1977) is a Welsh professional snooker player.
Stevens was born in Carmarthen, Wales. Turning professional in 1994, Stevens reached number six in the world rankings in 2000. He had to wait until 2003, however, for his first, and so far only ranking tournament victory: the UK Championship.
Stevens has always had the ambition of once claiming the World Chamionships trophy. In 2000 he reached the final but lost 16-18 to Mark Williams after having been up 10-6, 13-7 and then 13-11 with only the final session to play. In 2005 he lost 16-18 to Shaun Murphy having been up 10-6 and then 12-11 with only the final session to play.
Like Ronnie O'Sullivan, Stevens is right-handed but can play left-handed if necessary. Unlike O'Sullivan, the benefit to his game of his left-handed play has been called into question, as it has created unnecessary mistakes. He keeps using his left hand and the extension on his cue because he prefers this to using the rest.
Although the unexpected death of his father Murrell, also his manager and friend, in 2001 has been tough on him, Stevens now ranks number 4 on the 2005/2006 rankings.de:Matthew Stevens pl:Matthew Stevens