1996 World Snooker Championship tournament, one short of his record of 12 set the previous year. 1996 World Snooker Championship The 1996 World Snooker Championship (also referred to as the 1996 Embassy World Snooker Championship for the purposes of sponsorship) was a professional ranking snooker tournament that took place between 20 April–6 May 1996 at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England. Stephen Hendry won his sixth World Championship by defeating Peter Ebdon 18-12 equalling the modern day record of Steve Davis and Ray Reardon. The tournament was sponsored by cigarette manufacturer Embassy. Legendary BBC commentator Ted Lowe retired after the conclusion of the final.
2001 World Snooker Championship 2001 World Snooker Championship The 2001 World Snooker Championship (also referred to as the 2001 Embassy World Snooker Championship for the purposes of sponsorship) was a professional ranking snooker tournament that took place between 21 April and 7 May 2001 at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England. Mark Williams was the defending champion, but he lost in the second round 12–13 against Joe Swail and became another first-time champion who fell to the Crucible curse and could not defend his first World title. Ronnie O'Sullivan won his first World title by defeating John Higgins 18–14 in the final. The tournament