Alan slipped out of the top ten in the rankings during a disappointing 12 months after reaching the final of the 2004 Skybet World Grand Prix.

A leading performer in 15 years at the top level of his sport, Alan has failed to get past his opening match in the four major events staged so far in 2005.

The 2001 World Grand Prix champion, he has twice reached the final of the World Matchplay and also the Embassy Championship, as well as winning the 1990 British Open and 1995 UK Matchplay.

A consistently high level performer on the circuit, Alan had a disappointing 2005 on the circuit, contrasting to his summer wedding to Brenda Little away from the oche.

However, he reached the quarter-finals at the 2006 Ladbrokes.com World Championship and will hope to continue that return to form.