Defending champion Joe Johnson had a disappointing season in terms of results since his 1986 victory, but, as a 66–1 outsider to win, reached the final. In a rematch of the previous year's final, Johnson played Steve Davis in the final. Davis won his fourth championship by defeating Johnson 18–14. A total of 18 century breaks were made during the tournament, the highest of which was a 127 made by Davis in the final. Stephen Hendry became the youngest player to win a match at the World Snooker Championship, whilst the event was the last time that six-times champion Ray Reardon appeared at the World Championships.