Right on cue: Jamie Cope

Full name: Jamie Cope

Nationality: English

Age: 23 (DOB: September 12, 1985)

World Ranking: 19

Provisional World Ranking: 19

Nickname: Shotgun

World Championship quarter-finalist 2008; individual silver and team gold at the 2006 Asian Games; 2005 IBSF World U21 Champion.

After a hugely successful junior record, which saw him win nearly 50 events and several senior pro-ams, Cope dropped off the tour following two largely unsuccessful seasons. But after finishing top of the Challenge Tour in 2005, the aggressive 23-year-old has seen his stock rise steadily, with his ranking currently inside the world's top 20.

Cope, renowned as an entertainer with his rapid style of play, made a 147 break in a match against Michael Holt during the Grand Prix in Aberdeen in October, 2006. In the process Cope became only the third player to achieve a maximum break in the tournament's history, after Ronnie O'Sullivan and John Higgins. Cope then made his second competitive 147 against Mark Williams at the 2008 Shanghai Masters.

Cope has yet to win a ranking event, but has been runner-up at both the 2006 Grand Prix, and the China Open a year later. He clinched his place at the 2009 World Championships with a 10-5 win over Paul Davies.

The 'Shotgun' has shown considerable promise since winning the Challenge Tour in 2005, and is demonstrating that he can fulfil his potential as a professional. Having risen to 19th in the world rankings, the Staffordshire potter has proved that he has the control to complement his natural speed and aggression. His ability is not in question.

His aggressive, attacking style needs to be tempered at times when under pressure. His speed around the table can occasionally foster rash tactical play. The pressure of possessing such a formidable junior record clearly weighed heavily on his shoulders in the early part of his professional career.

Cope has undoubted raw talent, as exemplified in his 9-3 victory over John Higgins in the 2008 UK Championships, but has confessed to struggling in front of television cameras at major events. While recent performances should have helped, there will be no greater test of Cope's big-match temperament than the 2009 World Championships.

Cope has reportedly made a break of 155 - the maximum possible - in a witnessed practice match, after taking advantage of a free ball.

He started playing in junior competitions at just eight years old, and has reportedly made 150 maximum breaks in practice.

Away from snooker Cope enjoys watching The Simpsons, while his favourite meal is chicken and chips.

Cope is also an accomplished footballer; at the ripe old age of fourteen he had to make the decision between football and snooker and chose the baize.