Overview

• The 49-year-old says an eighth Crucible crown is the sole remaining goal as he seeks to move beyond Stephen Hendry’s record.
• He states he expects to continue competing for the next two to three years rather than retire now.
• He has relocated from the UK to Dubai with wife Laila Rouass, citing a reliable practice facility and family preference over a move to Yorkshire.
• He is scheduled to resume competition on Tuesday at the Xi'an Grand Prix against Iulian Boiko.
• His recent schedule has included medical withdrawals such as the British Open, and he has reportedly agreed a three-year, multi-million-pound deal to play Saudi events.