Name: Oliver Lines
DOB: 16th June 1995
Nationality: English
Turned Pro: 2014
Highest Ranking: 76th (2015)
Highest Break: 133 (2012 ET2)
Career Highlights: 2014 AT2 finalist, 2014 AT1 last 16, 2015 ET6 last 16, 2014 European U-21 Champion
Early Career
Son of veteran professional Peter, Oliver Lines started to play snooker seriously at the age of 13 and first began to enter PTC events during the 2011/12 season.
It was in 2012/13 when Oliver first began to enjoy success however, a notable win against Joe Perry at UKPTC3 in 2012 demonstrating his talent, while he also entered that season’s Q School, winning four matches but not being able to make it onto the main tour.
He was not to be denied the following season however, as having again impressed at European Tour events, he defeated young Irishman Josh Boileau 6-1 to win the 2014 European U-21 Championship in Romania and earn a two-year professional place from the 2014/15 season.
2014/15
Oliver was to enjoy a strong debut season on tour, notably reaching his first professional final at the Asian Tour 2 event in China, losing only to the in-form Stuart Bingham.
Further strong performances were to come at the AT1 and ET6 events, but it was his remarkable 6-4 victory against from Mark Selby, from 4-0 down at the International Championship qualifiers in Barnsley which would really see people sit up and take notice of his results.
Although he was unable to topple Mark Davis in qualifying for the season-ending World Championship, his performances were recognised by World Snooker at the end of season awards as he was awarded the annual Rookie of the Year trophy by the selection panel.