2018 World Snooker Championship They included Ronnie O'Sullivan (five titles: 2001, 2004, 2008, 2012–13), John Higgins (four titles: 1998, 2007, 2009, 2011), Mark Selby (three titles and two-time defending champion: 2014, 2016–17), Mark Williams (two titles: 2000 and 2003), Shaun Murphy (one title: 2005), Graeme Dott (one title: 2006), Neil Robertson (one title: 2010), and Stuart Bingham (one title: 2015). O'Sullivan was making his 26th consecutive appearance in the final stages of the World Championship since his debut in 1993. This is one short of Stephen Hendry's record of 27 consecutive appearances and four short of Steve Davis's record of 30 total appearances. Five
John Smyth (snooker referee) John Smyth (snooker referee) John Smyth (28 May 1928 – 4 January 2007) was one of snooker's leading referees in the 1970s and 1980s. He officiated in two World Snooker Championship finals, including the first to be held at the Crucible Theatre in 1977. The second came in 1982 when Alex Higgins won his second world title. He also oversaw the match in which Kirk Stevens compiled a maximum 147 break at the 1984 Wembley Masters. Born in Ireland, Smyth worked as a London Underground driver. He was Piccadilly line snooker champion six times, before becoming a referee in 1978.