World Snooker Championship successive title. There were 48 century breaks during the final stages, a new record. In the first round of 1997 championship Ronnie O'Sullivan made the fastest maximum break in snooker history, taking just 5 minutes and 20 seconds. The final was between Stephen Hendry and Irishman Ken Doherty. Doherty led 15–7 before Hendry won 5 frames in a row. Doherty then won the next three frames to win 18–12, ending Hendry's winning run of 29 consecutive matches. Stephen Hendry lost to Jimmy White in the first round of the 1998 championship. Doherty reached the final again meeting 22-year-old John Higgins.
Welsh Amateur Championship (snooker) former champion in the top 16. Welsh Amateur Championship (snooker) The Welsh Amateur Championship is an annual snooker competition played in Wales and is the highest ranking and most prestigious amateur event in Wales. The competition was first established back in 1928 which was won by J. Emrys Harries. The championship is currently held by Rhydian Richards. Tom Jones is the most successful player in the tournaments history winning the championship 8 times over a 17-year period. Currently former champions Daniel Wells, Duane Jones, Dominic Dale, Michael White, Ryan Day and Jamie Jones are all playing on the world tour,