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.
1950 World Snooker Championship in the last quarter-final match. Holt led 17–7 after two days and eventually won 26–9. Kennerley met Willie Smith in the first semi-final and led 16–8 after two days. Kennerley won 22–13. Sydney Lee and Herbert Holt met in the second semi-final. Lee led 7–5 after the first day and 16–8 after the second day. Holt then got influenza and conceded the match. Kennerley met Lee in the final. Lee took a 4–2 lead but Kennerley led 7–5 overnight. Kennerley then extended his lead to 14–10. 1950 World Snooker Championship The 1950 World Snooker Championship was a snooker tournament held