A bit of a (hair)do

Neil Robertson's new 'perm' he showed off at the China Open certainly made an impression. But it got me thinking that, while looking like a dead ringer for ex cricket star David Gower, there have been many other bad 'dos' in the game over the years.

Here's my top five worst.
5. Tony Drago's 80s perm.
4. Willie Thorne - technically not a hairstyle, but a lack of one
3. Stephen Hendry's mullet during his late teens
2. Ronnie O'Sullivan going through the Beckham hairband phase
1. It's got to be Peter Ebdon's crazy pony tail

Have you got any memories of players with crazy hairstyles in snooker?
If so let me know....

Lee's out to prove the doubters wrong

Stephen Lee is a fascinating character. It's well known that he's got one of the best cue actions in the game. If someone pinned me down and made me choose, I'd put him just ahead of Shaun Murphy. But many have questioned whether he could have won more tournaments. He's racked up five ranking tournaments since he turned professional in 1992 - a feat that puts him up with some of the best players to grace the baize. But even the great Stephen Hendry reckons Lee has 'wasted his talent'. His form of late though suggests he is about to prove the doubters wrong. He's reached the final of the Haikou Open (although was battered 10-1 by Mark Allen) and won the PTC finals in Galway, thrashing Neil Robertson 4-0. On Tuesday he kicks off in the China Open against another player who maybe should be higher in the rankings given his talent, Tom Ford. Who's to say Lee won't reach a third final? He's in the same half as defending champ Judd Trump who he may have to meet in the quarters, but he certainly won't be afraid of any opponent. In fact if you fancy an outside bet, how about 40-1 for Lee to lift the World Championship at the Crucible next month? The Wiltshire potter is in a good frame of mind of late. He's got what all snooker players crave: confidence. He's number 11 in the world and is safely in the top 16 for next season so there's no pressure. That makes him one dangerous opponent.

The Rocket's running out of steam

Drawing Ronnie O'Sullivan in the first round used to be a one way ticket home for most players. There was certainly no need to book a second night in the hotel.

But lately it can be seen as an easy route to the next round - as you're never sure he will turn up.

The Rocket has been conspicuous by his absence in recent tournaments - the Haikou Open and PTC Finals in Galway - citing his glandular fever as leaving him drained of energy and unable to compete.

So I wouldn't blame Scotland's Marcus Campbell for feeling slightly happy that he was drawn against Ronnie in this week's China Open. They are due to play on Wednesday, but as of yet there's no news on whether Ronnie will show up.

After withdrawing from Haikou, Ronnie insisted he'd played in Germany and Wales against his doctor’s advice and that he must 'listen to his body sometimes'. He added that he wanted to concentrate on being ready for the World Championships next month.

Now the big question is: will he turn up to the Crucible?

Not showing up for ranking events can be annoying for the ticket-buying public (and also the sponsors), but not turning up for the Worlds is completely different - it could potentially damage his reputation and would certainly leave Barry Hearn fuming.

Let's hope he is saving all his energy up for his first round match in Sheffield on Monday, April 23 - and doesn't turn back for Essex half way up the M1.