The snooker stars to watch at World Cup 2017

5. Barry Hawkins

Age: 38

Team: England

Group: C

World Ranking: 6

Judd Trump’s English teammate Barry Hawkins goes into the tournament on a run of good form. He won his third ranking title, the World Grand Prix, in February, beating Ryan Day, the Welshman who won the Riga Masters last week, in the final.

Barry Hawkins of England competes during their quarterfinal of World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, Britain, May 1, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

6. Neil Robertson

Age: 35

Team: Australia

Group: C

World Ranking: 7

There is no question that Neil Robertson has the natural ability to win any title on the tour. He has won 12 ranking titles during his career and is one of only ten players in history to have achieved the Triple Crown of winning the UK Championship, World Championship and the Masters.

His career has stalled in recent months as a gaming addiction took its toll on his performances on the table, but snooker fans everywhere will be hoping that he can conquer his demons and get back to his scintillating best this season.

Neil Robertson of Australia competes at the Snooker Masters 2016 in London, Britain, on Jan 13, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]