Profile: Jack Lisowski

Full name: Jack Lisowski

Nationality: English

Age: 17 (DOB: 25/06/1991)

World Ranking: N/A

Pontin's International Open Series (PIOS) Ranking 2007/2008: 23

Career highlights: Awarded Paul Hunter scholarship; runner-up PIOS event six; European U19 semi-finalist.

General: Lisowski was announced at the recent World Championship as the third recipient of the Paul Hunter scholarship and will spend the next year at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield. Lisowski is a poignant pick as he is currently in remission from Hodgkin's lymphoma cancer and of course if was cancer that cut Hunter's life tragically short when he was just 27. However, that is not to say that it is a mere sentimental pick. Lisowski has shown immense talent and promise throughout his young career and a year practising with the likes of Peter Ebdon, Ding Junhui and Liang Wenbo should help him reach the next level.

Strengths: Lisowski is extremely bright and intelligent, which helped him get the most out of the more academic elements they teach at the Academy, which include psychology and dieting. He also has undoubted raw natural ability. Made his first century break when he was just 10 and beat a number of experienced players in the PIOS Series (effectively senior snooker's second tier) this season. Reached the final of event six, beating the likes of Tony Drago and overall winner Joe Jogia in the process. Finally, you have to mention the immense strength of character that has helped him battle his cancer. To come back and immediately have his best season speaks volumes.

Weaknesses: Everything that happens on the table can be easily put into perspective by Lisowski, who knows that his biggest challenges - both past and present - lie away from the table. Last year he had chemotherapy 16 times over an eight-month period. Hopefully he has fully beaten his illness because if he can come through something like that then he can come through anything.

Trivia: Started playing snooker aged seven on his lounge carpet with ping pong balls.

Is a keen reader and lists The Times as his favourite newspaper and the Economist as his favourite magazine.

Enjoys playing golf and has 15 handicap.

Lists Tiger Woods as his favourite male sports star and Serena Williams his favourite female.

His favourite snooker players are Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O'Sullivan.

Is from Churchdown in Gloucestershire - a village between Gloucester and Cheltenham.

Attended Chosen Hill School, which counts among its former students former England rugby international Phil Greening and former Welsh footballer Rod Thomas.

Received the Paul Hunter Scholarship trophy from previous scholar Adam Duffy at the Crucible during the recent World Championship.