Peter Lines has had a long and successful career in snooker. He was a finalist in the English Amateur Championship and reached the quarter-finals at the China Open in 1999. His professional success began in 1991 when he became a professional. He made it to the quarter-finals of both the Strachan Open, and Asian Open in 1990. 1998 was the first year he reached the televised stages at the World Championship.
Lines' career is not remarkable, but his performance in the last few year of his career has been impressive. For the first time in his career, he reached the top 64 of the Order of Merit, and he even made it to the quarter-finals of a ranking event. His most memorable season was his run at the German Masters. He reached the semi-finals, and even came within touching distance of winning.
He found himself suddenly under pressure after a promising start for his 2011/12 season. As the season progressed his pressure mounted and he lost matches in four of his ranking events. At the end, he was ranked only 57th on European Tour. He was able to qualify for the World Championship qualifiers and secured a spot on the European Tour for another year.
He won two more major tournaments and defeated Joe Perry and Ian McCulloch. He was also a qualifier in the Players Tour Championships (PTC) series. However, his performance wasn't enough to keep him on the main tour.
In 2010, he won a UK Championship. But, he was again demoted to the PTC after the 2015/16 year. He has been playing in amateur tournaments ever since.
Lines' behavior during a match in China has been ruled inappropriate by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association. The World Snooker Tour received Lines' complaint. They have launched an investigation. There was a formal complaint filed by Xiao Guodong and the matter is expected to be referred directly to the World Snooker Tribunal.
On December 16, Lines was brought before the WPBSA and sentenced to a fine. But, Lines was found guilty in two cases relating to player conduct.
The first rule involved his replacement of the white ball after a foul and miss award. In such situations, professional players will often temporarily suspend play. Brendan Moore, Lines' opponent, fought with him over the issue. Both Lines and Brendan Moore claimed Lines was wrong, but Lines said he was right.
The World Snooker Tour, on the other hand, stated that Lines used "swear words" and intimidation during the match. Lines threatened to fight outside.