Snooker tournaments

World Championship

Ranking tournaments

UK Championship

Grand Prix

Welsh Open

China Open

Shanghai Masters

Northern Ireland Trophy

Other tournaments

Masters

Premier League

Pot Black

Malta Cup

Withdrawn tournaments

See: Snooker tournaments

The World Snooker Championship, currently held at the Crucible Theatre in the English city of Sheffield, is the climax of snooker's annual calendar and the most important snooker event of the year in terms of prestige, prize money and world ranking points. The current champion is John Higgins. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... The UK Championship is a professional snooker tournament, generally regarded as the second most prestigious tournament after the World Championship. ... The Grand Prix is a professional snooker tournament. ... The Welsh Open is a professional snooker tournament. ... The China Open was a professional snooker tournament. ... Shanghai Masters is a professional snooker tournament. ... The Northern Ireland Trophy is a professional snooker tournament. ... The Masters, formerly the Benson & Hedges Masters, is a professional snooker tournament. ... The Betfred Premier League, formerly the Dr. Martens Premier League, is a professional snooker tournament, sponsored by the bookmaker Betfred. ... Pot Black was a UK television snooker tournament that played a large part in the popularisation of the modern game. ... The Malta Cup is a professional snooker tournament that was introduced in the 2004/05 season. ... This is a list of snooker tournaments. ... The Crucible Theatre, located in the city centre of Sheffield, England is known for being a producing theatre, meaning shows are designed and rehearsed in-house. ... For other uses, see Sheffield (disambiguation). ... Snooker is a cue sport that is played on a large baize-covered table with pockets in each of the four corners and in the middle of each of the long side cushions. ... The snooker world rankings are a system of ranking professional snooker players. ... John Higgins (born May 18, 1975, Wishaw, North Lanarkshire) is a Scottish professional snooker player. ...

History

The first championship was held in 1927, and the legendary Joe Davis helped to organise the event. Matches were held at various venues, and the final took place at Camkin's Hall, Birmingham. Joe Davis won the event, beating Tom Dennis 20-11. His prize money was £6.10s. The highest break of the tournament was 60 by Albert Cope. Joe Davis and Tom Dennis competing in the final of the 1927 World Snooker Championship. ... Year 1927 (MCMXXVII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Joe Davis, OBE (born 15 April 1901 in Whitwell, Derbyshire, England; died 10 July 1978 in Hampshire, England) was an English professional player of English billiards and later snooker. ... This article is about the British city. ... Tom Dennis was a professional snooker and billiards player from England. ...

In subsequent years, finals were held at various venues. Joe Davis won every year until 1940, when he just beat his younger brother Fred 37-36. No tournaments were organised during the remaining war years, and it only resumed in 1946 when Joe Davis won again for the 15th time, a record that still stands. Joe Davis never contested the world championship again, though he continued to play professional snooker. Some have speculated that he did not want to risk losing his unbeaten record. Year 1940 (MCMXL) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full 1940 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Fred Davis, MBE (born August 13, 1913 in Whittington Moor, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England; died April 16, 1998) was an English professional snooker and English billiards player, and was one of the most popular personalities in the game. ... Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000... Year 1946 (MCMXLVI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full 1946 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Walter Donaldson won in 1947, but it was Fred Davis who dominated the next few years, winning it three times in 1948, 1949 and 1951. Walter Donaldson (1907 - 1973) was a Scottish professional snooker player. ... Year 1947 (MCMXLVII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1947 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Fred Davis, MBE (born August 13, 1913 in Whittington Moor, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England; died April 16, 1998) was an English professional snooker and English billiards player, and was one of the most popular personalities in the game. ...

In 1952, as a result of a disagreement between the governing bodies (the Billiards Association and Control Council), and some of the players, two tournaments were held. The World Matchplay, organised by the players and widely viewed as the "real" world championship, continued until 1957. The BA&CC event only lasted one year. Meanwhile the 'official' world championship did attract two entrants in 1952, Horace Lindrum (Australia) beating New Zealander Clark McConachy – and it is Lindrum's name that is inscribed on the familiar trophy. Year 1952 (MCMLII) was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1957 (MCMLVII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1957 Gregorian calendar). ...

Snooker then went into a period of decline, and no tournament was held between 1958 and 1963. In 1964 it was revived on a challenge basis, a format which lasted until 1968. This meant that matches took place on an irregular basis, sometimes more than once a year. John Pulman completely dominated during this period, overcoming all challengers in a total of seven matches. Jan. ... For other uses, see 1963 (disambiguation). ... Also Nintendo emulator: 1964 (emulator). ... John Pulman (December 12, 1923 - December 25, 1998) was an English professional snooker player who dominated the game throughout the 1960s. ...

The championship reverted back to a knockout tournament in 1969. That year it was won by John Spencer, but it was Ray Reardon who was to dominate over the coming years, winning six times between 1970 and 1978. Also: 1969 (number) 1969 (movie) 1969 (Stargate SG-1) episode. ... John Spencer (18 June 1935 - 11 July 2006) was an English snooker player who dominated the game in the 1970s along with Ray Reardon. ... Ray Reardon is a retired Welsh snooker player. ... Year 1970 (MCMLXX) was a common year starting on Thursday (link shows full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1978 (MCMLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar). ...

1976 was the first year the championships were sponsored by the cigarette brand Embassy. The following year, the event moved to the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, UK, and the BBC started providing major television coverage. The Crucible provides a unique atmosphere to the tournament, both for spectators and live television viewers. The venue seats fewer than a thousand people with the front row of seats only a few feet from the players. This was about the time snooker started attracting very large television audiences, and for most fans The Crucible is synonymous with snooker. The most successful players at The Crucible are Steve Davis, who won six times in the 1980s, and Stephen Hendry, who won seven times in the 1990s. Recently, the tournament has been more open, with six different winners in the last six years (2002-07). The most famous final occurred in 1985, when Dennis Taylor beat Steve Davis 18-17 in one of the most closely contested matches of all time (see 1985 World Snooker Championship final for details). It finished at 00:19 but was superseded as the latest finish first by the 2006 final (00:52 BST), then the 2007 final (00:55 BST). Year 1976 (MCMLXXVI) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Crucible Theatre, located in the city centre of Sheffield, England is known for being a producing theatre, meaning shows are designed and rehearsed in-house. ... For other uses, see Sheffield (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see BBC (disambiguation). ... For other people with this name, see Steve Davis (disambiguation). ... The 1980s refers to the years from 1980 to 1989. ... Stephen Gordon[1] Hendry, MBE (born January 13, 1969 in South Queensferry, Edinburgh) is a Scottish professional snooker player and seven time World Champion. ... For the band, see 1990s (band). ... This article is about the year. ... For the soul singer, see Dennis Taylor (singer). ... For other people with this name, see Steve Davis (disambiguation). ... Dennis Taylor just after winning the 1985 championship The 1985 World Snooker Championship final is often cited as the most exciting game of snooker ever seen. ...

In 2004, the championship offered a total of £1,378,920 ($2,665,589) in prize money, including £250,000 ($483,274) for the winner and £125,000 ($241,637) for the runner-up. A further £147,000 ($284,165) was on offer for a 147 break, though no player achieved this. Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Recent United Kingdom legislation has placed restrictions on tobacco advertising, including sponsorship of sporting events. Embassy had a special dispensation to continue snooker sponsorship until 2005. Currently the Championship is sponsored by 888.com, after the company signed a five-year sponsorship contract. During the 2005 Championship it was announced that the Championship would remain at the Crucible for at least another five years. Plans to build a purpose-built billiardrome in the city are in their early stages. It is anticipated that the World Championships will be switched to the new venue once the current Crucible contract ends. Tobacco advertising is the promotion of tobacco use (typically cigarette smoking) by the tobacco industry through a variety of media. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... 888. ... The 2005 Embassy World Snooker Championship took place between the 16 April and 2 May 2005 at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield England. ...

A recent contract ensures that the BBC will continue to televise this event (along with three others) until 2011. IMG Media (initially as TWI) have produced the BBC's Snooker coverage since 1998. IMG, originally known as the International Management Group is a leading global talent agency and production company. ...

Trivia

• The greatest number of wins is fifteen, by Joe Davis. This was in an era when there were few professional players and far fewer matches required to win, and is unlikely to be beaten. In the modern game, the best record is that of Stephen Hendry, who has won seven times to date. Steve Davis won six times in the 1980s, as did Ray Reardon in the 1970s.

• The first 147 in the championship was achieved by Cliff Thorburn in 1983. Ronnie O'Sullivan is the only player to achieve the feat more than once, scoring a maximum in 1997, 2003 and 2008. He is also the only player to lose a match in the World Championship after scoring a 147. His maximum in 1997 was, at 5 minutes 20 seconds, the fastest ever recorded in the professional game. Jimmy White (1992), Stephen Hendry (1995), Mark Williams (2005) and Ali Carter (2008) are the other players to have made a maximum break at the World Championship.

• The World Snooker Championship 2008 is the first ranking tournament ever where there have been two 147 breaks, Ali Carter and Ronnie O'Sullivan

• Fergal O'Brien is the only player to score a century in his first frame at the Crucible, which he did in 1994.

• The longest ever frame at the Crucible lasted 1 hour and 14 minutes, and was played between Graeme Dott and Peter Ebdon in the 2006 final.

• Stephen Hendry was the youngest ever champion when he won in 1990 aged 21.

• Horace Lindrum of Australia, who won in 1952, Cliff Thorburn of Canada, who won in 1980 and Ken Doherty of Ireland, who won in 1997 are the only champions from outside the United Kingdom.

• Surprising wins at The Crucible include Joe Johnson and Shaun Murphy, who won in 1986 and 2005 respectively against odds of 150-1 each, and Terry Griffiths, whose 1979 victory was only his second professional tournament.

• Jimmy White has reached six finals, but never won. The closest he got was 18-17 in 1994 against Stephen Hendry, on his 32nd birthday.

• Ken Doherty is the only player to have won the world title at junior, amateur and professional level.

• John Parrott is the only player to have recorded a whitewash in the final tournament. He beat Eddie Charlton 10-0 in the first round in 1992.

• Stephen Hendry holds the all time record for consecutive matches won at the World Championship with 29. The streak started at the 1992 Championships and continued until he was defeated by Ken Doherty in the 1997 final. Joe Davis won more titles in succession however at that time the defending champion only had to play one match (the challenge match).

• Since the tournament has been held at the Crucible only two players have ever defended a world title: Steve Davis who won three times in succession and Stephen Hendry who won five times in succession. No player has successfully defended their first title in the modern era.

Joe Davis, OBE (born 15 April 1901 in Whitwell, Derbyshire, England; died 10 July 1978 in Hampshire, England) was an English professional player of English billiards and later snooker. ... Stephen Gordon[1] Hendry, MBE (born January 13, 1969 in South Queensferry, Edinburgh) is a Scottish professional snooker player and seven time World Champion. ... For other people with this name, see Steve Davis (disambiguation). ... The 1980s refers to the years from 1980 to 1989. ... Ray Reardon is a retired Welsh snooker player. ... The 1970s decade refers to the years from 1970 to 1979, also called The Seventies. ... Clifford Charles Devlin (Cliff) Thorburn (born January 16, 1948 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) is a retired professional snooker player. ... Ronald Antonio Ronnie OSullivan (born December 5, 1975 in Wordsley, West Midlands),[1][2] nicknamed The Pocket Rocket (or more recently Mr. ... Mark Williams (born 21 March 1975, Cwm, Wales) is a Welsh professional snooker player. ... Allister Carter, was born in Essex in England in 1979 and became a professional snooker player in 1996. ... Allister Carter, was born in Essex in England in 1979 and became a professional snooker player in 1996. ... Ronald Antonio Ronnie OSullivan (born December 5, 1975 in Wordsley, West Midlands),[1][2] nicknamed The Pocket Rocket (or more recently Mr. ... Fergal OBrien (born March 8, 1972) is an Irish professional snooker player. ... Graeme Dott (born May 12, 1977) is a professional snooker player from Larkhall in Scotland. ... Peter Ebdon (born August 27, 1970) is an English professional snooker player and current UK champion. ... Stephen Gordon[1] Hendry, MBE (born January 13, 1969 in South Queensferry, Edinburgh) is a Scottish professional snooker player and seven time World Champion. ... This article is about the year. ... This article needs cleanup. ... Year 1952 (MCMLII) was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Clifford Charles Devlin (Cliff) Thorburn (born January 16, 1948 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) is a retired professional snooker player. ... Year 1980 (MCMLXXX) was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar). ... Ken Doherty (born September 17, 1969) is an Irish professional snooker player. ... For the band, see 1997 (band). ... Joe Johnson (born 29 June 1952) is an English professional snooker player. ... Shaun Murphy (born August 10, 1982) is an English professional snooker player and the 2005 world snooker champion. ... Year 1986 (MCMLXXXVI) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link displays 1986 Gregorian calendar). ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Terry Griffiths (born October 16, 1947, Llanelli) is a retired Welsh snooker player. ... Also: 1979 by Smashing Pumpkins. ... James Jimmy Warren White, MBE (born 2 May 1962) is an English professional snooker player. ... Year 1994 (MCMXCIV) The year 1994 was designated as the International Year of the Family and the International Year of the Sport and the Olympic Ideal by the United Nations. ... Stephen Gordon[1] Hendry, MBE (born January 13, 1969 in South Queensferry, Edinburgh) is a Scottish professional snooker player and seven time World Champion. ... Ken Doherty (born September 17, 1969) is an Irish professional snooker player. ... John Parrott MBE (born 11 May 1964 in Liverpool, England) is an English professional snooker player. ... Edward Francis (Eddie) Charlton AM (31 October 1929 – 7 November 2004) was a top-class Australian snooker and billiards player. ... // The event The 1992 Embassy World Snooker Championship took place at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield between the 18 April and 4 May 1992. ...

External links

• BBC Sport Snooker
• World Snooker, commercial arm of snooker's governing body
• Billiardrome plans