Joe Perry

Playing the best snooker of his career having turned 40, Perry enjoyed a landmark season in 2014/15.

The highlight was undoubtedly winning the Players Championship in Thailand, his first ever first full ranking title. After beating the likes of Ding Junhui and Stuart Bingham to reach the final, Perry came from 3-0 down to beat Mark Williams 4-3 in a thrilling finish to claim the £100,000 top prize.

“It has been a lifelong ambition for me,” said Perry. “I’ve been playing snooker since I was 12, and all I’ve ever wanted to do is win a major tournament. So I’m delighted to do it at last. I’ve been really composed all week. I have been very calm at the table, haven’t got nervous and just felt very confident. I never expected anything other than to prepare well and try my best.”

Earlier in the season, Perry had just missed out on the Wuxi Classic title when he lost 10-9 to friend Neil Robertson in a dramatic final. He went on to win the Xuzhou Open Asian Tour event, beating Thepchaiya Un-Nooh 4-1 in the final in Thailand. At the Betfred World Championship, Perry lost in the last 16 against Shaun Murphy, but still finished the season ranked ninth in the world.

In 2013 he won the 2013 Yixing Open Asian Tour event, beating Mark Selby 4-1 in the final in China. “Winning has given me a lot of extra confidence. I always knew I was good enough, but just to hold the trophy means a lot,” said Perry.

He also got to the semi-finals of the International Championship and the Welsh Open.

In 2008 he reached the semi-finals of the World Championship by beating the likes of Graeme Dott and Stephen Maguire. Against Ali Carter he stood within two frames of victory at 15-15. But it was Carter who ultimately prevailed 17-15 to reach the final.

“I’m absolutely gutted,” said Perry. “If you told me I was going to feel like this after being beaten in the semi-final I wouldn’t have believed you.”

Perry reached the final of the European Open on the Mediterranean island of Malta in 2001. He knocked out several leading players including Matthew Stevens and Mark Williams but was no match for Stephen Hendry, going down 9-2.

Perry, whose father is a London taxi driver, is a devoted Arsenal fan and often visits Highbury to cheer on the Gunners. He studied A-level law during his schooldays and his hobbies include playing golf and keeping fit.

He married Joanne in 2005 and their first child, daughter Lexie, was born in October 2006.