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.
1946 World Snooker Championship 1946 World Snooker Championship The 1946 World Snooker Championship was a snooker tournament. The final was held at the Royal Horticultural Hall in London, England from 6 to 18 May. Joe Davis beat Horace Lindrum 78–67 although the winning margin was reached at 73–62. The Championship attracted a total of 14 entries; 13 were originally announced with Fred Lawrence being added a few days later. Entries were divided into a qualifying group (Section B), the winner joining seven others in the main draw (Section A). Joe Davis and Walter Donaldson met in Wellington, Shropshire. Davis led 6–4 and 12–8 after