Glasgow's Alan McManus must be one of the unluckiest men in snooker.

The world number eight has reached the semi-final stages of 35 events but has only won two ranking events during a 10-year professional career.

His two victories came in 1994 and 1996, when he picked up the Dubai Duty Free Classic and then the Thailand Open.

However his greatest moment came during the 9-8 win over Stephen Hendry in the Benson and Hedges Masters six years ago - a win which thrust him into the snooker spotlight. The victory was all the more impressive because it was at a time when Hendry was considered as unbeatable.

McManus has had a poor season to date but a good UK Championship performance would not come as a surprise.