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
2012 World Snooker Championship the title in 1985, O'Sullivan became the oldest world champion since 45-year-old Ray Reardon in 1978. John Higgins, the defending champion, lost 4–13 to Stephen Hendry in the second round. On the opening day of the televised stage Hendry made the 88th official maximum break, his third at the Crucible and the 11th of his career. He announced his retirement from professional snooker following his defeat by Stephen Maguire in the quarter-finals. The tournament was sponsored by online casino Betfred.com. This is to date, the last World Championship to feature a maximum break. The prize fund for the championship was