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.