Alex burst into the limelight in 2000 at the World Matchplay with a run to the quarter-finals, and has battled his way up the rankings to be among the world's leading players.

A former semi-finalist at the Dutch Open and Windy City Open, Alex is still looking to capture a televised tournament win.

However, his victory in the North-West Regional Final for the Budweiser UK Open in March 2005 showed that he can live with the best, and he went on to reach the last eight at Bolton's Reebok Stadium.

A natural showman, Alex loves playing on the big stage and undoubtedly still has his best years ahead of him.