2013 World Snooker Championship
The 2013 World Snooker Championship (officially the 2013 Betfair World Snooker Championship) was a professional ranking snooker tournament held from 20 April to 6 May 2013 at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England.[1] Ronnie O'Sullivan, the defending champion, won the title for a fifth time by defeating Barry Hawkins 18–12 in the final, marking a successful return to the sport after an eight-month sabbatical.[2] O'Sullivan's path to victory included first-round and second-round wins over Marcus Campbell (10–4) and Ali Carter (13–8), respectively, followed by a 13–4 quarter-final defeat of Stuart Bingham and a 17–11 semi-final triumph against Judd Trump.[3][4][5] In the final, he became the first player to compile six century breaks at the Crucible, including a 124 clearance and a 133 break, while retaining his perfect record in world finals at the venue.[2] Hawkins, meanwhile, reached his first World Championship final after overcoming world number one Mark Selby (13–10) in the second round and qualifier Ricky Walden (17–14) in the semi-finals.[6][7] The tournament featured several notable upsets in the early rounds, including qualifier Dechawat Poomjaeng's 10–9 victory over world number five Stephen Maguire, Mark Davis's 10–6 defeat of four-time champion John Higgins, and Michael White's 10–6 win against two-time champion Mark Williams.[8][9] These results contributed to a diverse draw, with only four of the top eight seeds reaching the last 16, highlighting the competitive nature of the event sponsored by Betfair.[10]Overview
Background and Context
The 2013 World Snooker Championship marked the 37th consecutive edition hosted at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England, a venue that has been the event's home since its inception there in 1977.[11] The tournament ran from 20 April to 6 May 2013, maintaining the traditional two-week format that has become synonymous with the sport's pinnacle event.[12] This staging underscored the championship's enduring prestige, drawing global attention as the climax of the snooker calendar. A significant narrative leading into the event centered on Ronnie O'Sullivan, the defending champion who had announced his retirement intentions immediately after securing his fourth world title in May 2012, citing personal reasons for needing a break from the sport.[13] O'Sullivan extended this hiatus in November 2012, confirming he would miss the remainder of the 2012–13 season due to ongoing personal issues, resulting in an eight-month absence from competitive play.[14] His limited participation caused his world ranking to drop to No. 9 by the time of the championship, despite entering as the defending champion.[15] O'Sullivan announced his return specifically for this event in February 2013, generating widespread anticipation about whether the hiatus would affect his form or reinvigorate his career.[16] The tournament also featured Betfair as its title sponsor for the first time, replacing Betfred after a four-year tenure.[17] This partnership brought fresh promotional energy, with Betfair having already supported several events that season, thereby enhancing the championship's global visibility and marketing reach through their betting platform and media campaigns.[18] Seeding for the main draw was determined by the latest world rankings prior to the event, with Mark Selby installed as the top seed as the world No. 1.[15] This system ensured that the highest-ranked players received favorable draws, setting the stage for potential clashes among the elite as the tournament progressed.[19]Format
The 2013 World Snooker Championship was staged at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England, serving as the venue for the main draw from 20 April to 6 May.[12] The qualifying rounds, which determined the 16 players to join the top 16 seeds in the main event, were conducted at the nearby English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, equipped with a 17-table setup to facilitate simultaneous matches across multiple rounds.[20] This structure allowed for an initial field of 114 players—93 professionals and 21 amateurs—to be progressively reduced to 16 qualifiers through preliminary and main qualifying stages.[11] The preliminary qualifying consisted of four rounds dedicated to amateurs and lower-ranked professional tour members not on the main professional circuit, played as best-of-9-frame matches on 4 and 5 April to filter the field into the main qualifying phase.[21] The main qualifying then featured four additional rounds from 8 to 14 April, with all matches in best-of-19 frames, pitting surviving lower seeds and qualifiers against each other until 16 advanced.[22] This multi-stage process ensured a competitive pathway, with the top 16 world-ranked professionals seeded directly into the first round of the main draw without needing to qualify.[12] In the main draw at the Crucible, the tournament progressed as a single-elimination knockout with escalating match lengths to build tension and endurance: the first round (last 32) was best-of-19 frames over two sessions, the second round and quarter-finals were best-of-25 frames over three sessions each, the semi-finals were best-of-33 frames over four sessions, and the final was best-of-35 frames over four sessions.[12] The draw for the main stage was randomly conducted after qualifying concluded, pairing each of the 16 qualifiers against one of the top seeds in the opening round.[20] Every frame played across the main draw contributed to the official tally of century breaks, highlighting players' scoring prowess throughout the event.[12] The competition adhered to standard professional snooker rules governed by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA), including the potential for a maximum break of 147 points by potting 15 reds, each followed by all six colors in sequence, and then clearing the colors. Fouls resulted in penalties ranging from 4 to 7 points depending on the infringement, with the opponent receiving those points plus the option to play from where the balls lay or force the fouled player to play again. Unlike some modern tournaments, no shot clock was employed to limit thinking time between shots, allowing players extended deliberation on tactical decisions.[23]Prize Fund
The 2013 World Snooker Championship offered a total prize fund of £1,111,000, underscoring the event's prestige and financial appeal to top players.[11] This amount provided stability in scale compared to the 2012 championship's £1,152,500 total, reflecting consistent investment in the sport's flagship tournament despite minor adjustments.[24] The prize money distribution emphasized progression through the draw, with significant rewards for advancing to later stages:| Stage | Prize Money (per player) |
|---|---|
| Winner | £250,000 |
| Runner-up | £125,000 |
| Semi-finalist (x2) | £52,000 |
| Quarter-finalist (x4) | £24,050 |
| Last 16 (x8) | £16,000 |
| Last 32 (x16) | £12,000 |
| Last 48 (x32) | £8,000 |
Qualifying
Preliminary Qualifying
The preliminary qualifying rounds for the 2013 World Snooker Championship were held on 4 and 5 April 2013 at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield, England.[21] These rounds provided an entry point for invited amateur players and professional players ranked outside the top 96 on the world rankings, involving 93 professionals and 21 amateurs for a total of 114 entrants.[11] Consisting of four knockout rounds played in a best-of-9 frames format across multiple tables, the preliminary stage featured 16 decisive matches that reduced the field through eliminations, with 98 players advancing to the main qualifying draw.[22] The event operated without television coverage, emphasizing its role as a foundational filter for lower-ranked and emerging talent ahead of the professional-heavy main qualifiers.[26] Notable results included amateur Justin Astley securing advancement with a 5–2 victory over Patrick Wallace in the final preliminary round, while fellow amateur Joe Swail progressed through his section by defeating opponents including Les Dodd 5–1.[21]Main Qualifying
The main qualifying rounds of the 2013 World Snooker Championship took place from 8 to 13 April 2013 at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, England, featuring 32 professional players competing in 16 best-of-19 frame matches to secure the 16 spots in the main draw alongside the top 16 seeds.[22] These rounds built on the earlier preliminary stages, where lower-ranked players and amateurs advanced to face higher-seeded professionals.[27] Several notable upsets marked the proceedings, highlighting the competitive nature of the qualification process. Robert Milkins advanced with a 10-5 victory over six-time Crucible finalist Jimmy White in the final qualifying round, marking his return to the main event after a five-year absence.[27] Similarly, Sam Baird produced a stunning 10-3 defeat of world number 16 Joe Perry to earn his Crucible debut, while Dechawat Poomjaeng upset Anthony Hamilton 10-4 en route to qualification.[27][28] Dominic Dale also progressed convincingly, beating Alfie Burden 10-5.[22] The 16 successful qualifiers were Ben Woollaston, Michael White, Matthew Selt, Jack Lisowski, Dechawat Poomjaeng, Michael Holt, Marco Fu, Alan McManus, Martin Gould, Mark Davis, Mark King, Marcus Campbell, Sam Baird, Dominic Dale, Peter Ebdon, and Robert Milkins.[29] Among them, 10 had prior Crucible experience, including former world champion Peter Ebdon and veterans like Marco Fu and Mark King, while six—Sam Baird, Jack Lisowski, Michael White, Ben Woollaston, Dechawat Poomjaeng, and Matthew Selt—made their debuts.[29] These players were subsequently seeded 17 to 32 in the main draw based on their world rankings, ensuring a balanced bracket against the top seeds.[12]Tournament Summary
First Round
The first round of the 2013 World Snooker Championship consisted of 16 best-of-19-frames matches held from 20 to 25 April 2013 at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England, pitting the top 16 seeds against qualifiers who had advanced through the preliminary and main qualifying stages.[11] The round showcased a mix of dominant performances by favorites and unexpected upsets, setting an unpredictable tone for the tournament.[8] Defending champion and top seed Ronnie O'Sullivan began his title defense emphatically, defeating qualifier Marcus Campbell 10–4 on 20–21 April in a match completed with a session to spare. O'Sullivan took the opening session 6–3, highlighted by a 102 break, and extended his lead to 10–3 before Campbell claimed the final frame; he added a 58 break in the evening session.[3] Similarly, second seed Mark Selby dispatched qualifier Matthew Selt 10–4 over two days (23–24 April), leading 7–2 after the first session with a 91 break and maintaining control thereafter.[11] Fourth seed Judd Trump overcame qualifier Dominic Dale 10–5 from 23–24 April, recovering from a 3–3 first-session tie with breaks of 142 and 66 to pull ahead.[11] Fifth seed Shaun Murphy beat qualifier Martin Gould 10–5 on 20–21 April, securing a 6–3 first-session advantage featuring a 112 break before wrapping up the victory.[11] Tenth seed Ding Junhui triumphed 10–5 over qualifier Alan McManus on 23–24 April, dominating the second session with a 131 break after a 5–4 lead.[11] Several upsets provided early drama, with qualifiers eliminating higher-ranked seeds. In a standout shock, unheralded qualifier Dechawat Poomjaeng, ranked 68th, came from 4–9 down to defeat sixth seed Stephen Maguire 10–9 on 22–23 April in a final-frame decider that captivated the crowd; Poomjaeng's resilience included a 74 break in the decider.[8] Qualifier Robert Milkins stunned third seed Neil Robertson 10–8 on 24–25 April, rallying from 2–7 to win six of the last nine frames with an 88 break, marking one of the round's biggest surprises.[11] Another qualifier, Mark Davis, ousted eighth seed John Higgins 10–6 on 21–22 April, reeling off the final six frames after trailing 4–6, highlighted by a 96 break.[30] Seventh seed Mark Allen fell 10–8 to qualifier Mark King on 22 April, while eleventh seed Mark Williams lost 10–6 to qualifier Michael White on 20–21 April.[11] Twelfth seed Graeme Dott edged qualifier Peter Ebdon 10–6 on 21–22 April in a marathon match lasting over seven hours, clinched by a 112 break in the final session.[31] Ninth seed Stuart Bingham routed qualifier Sam Baird 10–2 on 24–25 April, leading 7–0 after the first session with a 136 break, while fourteenth seed Ricky Walden demolished qualifier Michael Holt 10–1 on 20–21 April, including a 140 break for a 6–0 opening session whitewash.[11] Fifteenth seed Barry Hawkins cruised 10–3 past qualifier Jack Lisowski on 20–21 April, and sixteenth seed Ali Carter won 10–4 against qualifier Ben Woollaston on 22–23 April with a 106 break.[11] In the remaining match, qualifier Marco Fu, entering as a lower seed, defeated thirteenth seed Matthew Stevens 10–7 on 23–24 April, featuring a 142 break.[11] The Crucible's intimate capacity of around 980 spectators per session was fully utilized, fostering an electric atmosphere that amplified the tension of close contests and celebrations of big breaks.[32] Overall, the round saw 128 frames played across the matches, with seeds winning nine encounters and qualifiers claiming seven victories, underscoring the competitive depth introduced by the qualifiers.[11]Second Round
The second round of the 2013 World Snooker Championship consisted of eight best-of-25-frames matches played from 25 to 29 April at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, featuring the 16 survivors from the first round.[12] This stage intensified the competition, with players adapting to longer formats and showcasing tactical resilience amid growing match fatigue after extended first-round battles. Defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan emerged as a clear favorite, while underdogs like Barry Hawkins capitalized on momentum shifts to upset higher seeds. Ronnie O'Sullivan dominated Ali Carter 13–8 in a rematch of previous Crucible finals, pulling ahead with a 9–7 lead after two sessions before securing the win with breaks of 88, 106, and 89 in the final frames.[33] O'Sullivan later described feeling "jaded" post-match, highlighting the physical toll of consecutive high-stakes encounters.[34] In another standout result, Hawkins staged a dramatic comeback to defeat world number one Mark Selby 13–10, trailing 9–6 before winning six of the last seven frames, including a decisive 89 break to level at 10–10.[35] This victory marked Hawkins' first quarter-final appearance, underscoring tactical adjustments in tight sessions where Selby missed key opportunities. Judd Trump advanced comfortably against Marco Fu with a 13–7 win, recovering from a mid-match fightback by Fu (who leveled at 8–8 with breaks of 83 and 117) through steady scoring including 82 and 53.[35] Ding Junhui overcame Mark King 13–9 in a grinding affair, maintaining control after an even start to affirm his status as an emerging contender.[36] Stuart Bingham edged Mark Davis 13–10, while Ricky Walden, in his debut second-round appearance, outlasted Robert Milkins 13–11 in a tense decider.[12] Michael White delivered a one-sided 13–3 thrashing of Dechawat Poomjaeng, finishing with a session to spare after Poomjaeng's frame-four concession due to repeated fouls.[12] Shaun Murphy progressed 13–11 over Graeme Dott, relying on defensive solidity in the later frames to navigate fatigue from his first-round marathon. The round's outcomes shifted favorites toward O'Sullivan and Trump, setting up quarter-finals dominated by English and Chinese players adapting to the Crucible's pressure cooker atmosphere.[12]| Match | Winner | Score | Loser |
|---|---|---|---|
| O'Sullivan [37] vs Carter [38] | Ronnie O'Sullivan (England) | 13–8 | Ali Carter (England) |
| Bingham [39] vs Davis | Stuart Bingham (England) | 13–10 | Mark Davis (England) |
| Murphy [40] vs Dott [41] | Shaun Murphy (England) | 13–11 | Graeme Dott (Scotland) |
| Trump [42] vs Fu | Judd Trump (England) | 13–7 | Marco Fu (Hong Kong) |
| Walden [43] vs Milkins | Ricky Walden (England) | 13–11 | Robert Milkins (England) |
| White [44] vs Poomjaeng | Michael White (Wales) | 13–3 | Dechawat Poomjaeng (Thailand) |
| Junhui [45] vs King [46] | Ding Junhui (China) | 13–9 | Mark King (England) |
| Hawkins [47] vs Selby [48] | Barry Hawkins (England) | 13–10 | Mark Selby (England) |
Quarter-finals
The quarter-finals of the 2013 World Snooker Championship were contested as best-of-25-frames matches over two days, from 30 April to 1 May, at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, reducing the field from eight players to four semi-finalists.[12] Defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan continued his dominant run, while underdogs Ricky Walden and Barry Hawkins advanced by upsetting higher-seeded opponents, and Judd Trump survived a tense battle to progress. The matches drew significant attention, with the Trump-Murphy encounter generating buzz for its dramatic comeback and extended final frame.[49]| Match | Score | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Ronnie O'Sullivan (1) vs. Stuart Bingham (9) | 13–4 | O'Sullivan |
| Judd Trump (4) vs. Shaun Murphy (5) | 13–12 | Trump |
| Ricky Walden (14) vs. Michael White (qualifier) | 13–6 | Walden |
| Barry Hawkins (15) vs. Ding Junhui (10) | 13–7 | Hawkins |
Semi-finals
The semi-finals of the 2013 World Snooker Championship were contested as best-of-33 frames matches over three days, from 2 to 4 May 2013, at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, testing the players' endurance in the longest format before the final.[11] The quarter-final winners—Ronnie O'Sullivan (who defeated Stuart Bingham 13–4), Judd Trump (13–12 over Shaun Murphy), Ricky Walden (13–6 against Michael White), and Barry Hawkins (13–7 versus Ding Junhui)—advanced to these clashes.[11] Both matches highlighted the physical demands of the extended round, with sessions lasting several hours and featuring prolonged frames that left players visibly fatigued.[55][56] In the first semi-final, defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan faced Judd Trump, a rematch of their 2011 quarter-final. The opening session on 2 May ended level at 4–4, with both players trading frames amid cautious play. O'Sullivan then took control in the second day's sessions on 3 May, winning 5–3 in the afternoon and another 5–3 in the evening to lead 14–10 overnight, capitalizing on Trump's errors such as a foul on the yellow in frame 20 and a missed cut-back red in frame 25. On 4 May, O'Sullivan sealed a 17–11 victory in the final session by taking three of the first four frames, demonstrating his superior clearance play despite the tension. O'Sullivan compiled four breaks over 50 in the match, including three near-centuries of 93, 90, and 89, while Trump responded with a 117 century in the evening session on 3 May. Post-match, O'Sullivan noted the high tension affected both players' form, stating neither performed at their peak.[56][11] The second semi-final pitted Barry Hawkins against Ricky Walden, both seeking their first World Championship final appearance. Walden dominated the early stages, surging to a 6–2 lead after the first session on 2 May and extending it to 12–8 by the end of 3 May's second session, thanks to strong break-building including centuries of 119, 106, 105, and 91. Hawkins mounted a remarkable comeback in the evening session on 3 May, winning nine of the last 11 frames—including eight in a row—with a 104 century and a 66 break to level at 12–12, bolstered by his precise safety play that forced Walden into errors. The match turned decisive in a gruelling 56-minute frame at 16–14, where Walden's unintended pot on a red handed Hawkins the advantage, allowing him to clinch a 17–14 win on 4 May with a further 114 century. Hawkins later described himself as "in bits" from the emotional and physical strain, praising his resilience, while Walden acknowledged Hawkins' improved safety dominance as key to the turnaround.[55][11]Final
The final of the 2013 World Snooker Championship was contested between defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan and Barry Hawkins in a best-of-35-frames match held over four sessions at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield from 5 to 6 May 2013.[57] O'Sullivan, who had returned to the sport after a 12-month retirement hiatus announced following his 2012 victory, entered as the clear favourite, while Hawkins reached his first Crucible final as an 80-1 outsider after defeating Mark Selby in the semi-finals.[58] The match was notable for its high quality, featuring eight century breaks—a joint record for a World Championship final—and showcased Hawkins' resilience against O'Sullivan's clinical potting.[57] In the opening session on 5 May, Hawkins seized an early 4-3 lead with breaks of 88 and 81, becoming the only opponent to lead O'Sullivan at any point in the tournament. However, O'Sullivan responded emphatically, compiling centuries of 113 and 100 in the final two frames to claim the session 5-3. The evening session later that day saw Hawkins strike first with a 133 break to narrow the gap to 5-4, but O'Sullivan surged ahead with centuries of 103 and 106, along with a gritty 69-62 win, to lead 8-4. Hawkins fought back by winning three of the next four frames, including an 83 break, but O'Sullivan closed the session with a 124 to end day one ahead 10-7, having already equalled the record for most centuries in a Crucible final session with four.[59][57] The second day began with O'Sullivan extending his lead to 12-7 through a 76 clearance and a 55, but Hawkins mounted a spirited comeback, winning three consecutive frames with breaks of 90, 127, and 66 to reduce the deficit to 12-10. O'Sullivan steadied with a 133 century, only for Hawkins to respond and level the session at one point, though O'Sullivan ultimately took it 5-3 for a 15-10 overnight advantage. In the decisive final session on 6 May, Hawkins opened with a 127 century to make it 15-11, but a missed red on 12 proved costly as O'Sullivan capitalized with breaks of 77, 88, and 86 to win the last three frames and secure an 18-12 victory. The match produced six centuries from O'Sullivan and two from Hawkins, tying the record set in the 1983 final between Steve Davis and Cliff Thorburn.[58][57] O'Sullivan's triumph marked his fifth Crucible title and fifth World Championship overall, making him only the third player—after Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry—to successfully defend the title. Post-match, an emotional O'Sullivan described the win as the hardest he had ever been pushed in a final, admitting to battling personal "demons" throughout and praising Hawkins' performance as "brilliant." Hawkins, gracious in defeat, called O'Sullivan "unbelievable" and reflected on pushing the champion closer than expected. The Crucible crowd erupted in applause for both players, with O'Sullivan's fist-pump celebrations underscoring the relief of his comeback victory after nearly a year away from the baize.[58][57]Draw and Statistics
Main Draw
The 2013 World Snooker Championship main draw consisted of 16 top-seeded players facing 16 qualifiers in a 32-player single-elimination bracket at the Crucible Theatre, with the draw divided into two halves following the conclusion of qualifying rounds.[12] The seeding positioned the world number one, Ronnie O'Sullivan, at the top of the upper half, with other top seeds distributed to balance the bracket across four quarters leading to the semi-finals.[12]Bracket Structure
The following textual representation outlines the full bracket progression, showing match pairings, seeds (in parentheses), qualifiers (Q), and minimal frame scores for outcomes. Winners advanced as indicated by indentation. Upper Half First QuarterFirst Round:
Ronnie O'Sullivan (1/ENG) 10–4 Marcus Campbell (Q/SCO)
↓
Ali Carter (16/ENG) 10–4 Ben Woollaston (Q/ENG)
Second Round:
Ronnie O'Sullivan (1/ENG) 13–8 Ali Carter (16/ENG)
↓ Second Quarter
First Round:
Stuart Bingham (9/ENG) 10–2 Sam Baird (Q/ENG)
↓
Mark Davis (Q/ENG) 10–6 John Higgins (8/SCO)
Second Round:
Stuart Bingham (9/ENG) 13–10 Mark Davis (Q/ENG)
↓
Quarter-final:
Ronnie O'Sullivan (1/ENG) 13–4 Stuart Bingham (9/ENG)
↓ Third Quarter
First Round:
Shaun Murphy (5/ENG) 10–5 Martin Gould (Q/ENG)
↓
Graeme Dott (12/SCO) 10–6 Peter Ebdon (Q/ENG)
Second Round:
Shaun Murphy (5/ENG) 13–11 Graeme Dott (12/SCO)
↓
First Round:
Judd Trump (4/ENG) 10–5 Dominic Dale (Q/WAL)
↓
Marco Fu (18/HKG) 10–7 Matthew Stevens (Q/WAL)
Second Round:
Judd Trump (4/ENG) 13–7 Marco Fu (18/HKG)
↓
Quarter-final:
Judd Trump (4/ENG) 13–12 Shaun Murphy (5/ENG)
↓
Semi-final (Upper Half):
Ronnie O'Sullivan (1/ENG) 17–11 Judd Trump (4/ENG)
↓ Lower Half First Quarter
First Round:
Robert Milkins (Q/ENG) 10–8 Neil Robertson (3/AUS)
↓
Ricky Walden (14/ENG) 10–1 Michael Holt (Q/ENG)
Second Round:
Ricky Walden (14/ENG) 13–11 Robert Milkins (Q/ENG)
↓ Second Quarter
First Round:
Michael White (Q/WAL) 10–6 Mark Williams (11/WAL)
↓
Dechawat Poomjaeng (Q/THA) 10–9 Stephen Maguire (6/SCO)
Second Round:
Michael White (Q/WAL) 13–3 Dechawat Poomjaeng (Q/THA)
↓
Quarter-final:
Ricky Walden (14/ENG) 13–6 Michael White (Q/WAL)
↓ Third Quarter
First Round:
Mark King (Q/ENG) 10–8 Mark Allen (7/NIR)
↓
Ding Junhui (10/CHN) 10–5 Alan McManus (Q/SCO)
Second Round:
Ding Junhui (10/CHN) 13–9 Mark King (Q/ENG)
↓ Fourth Quarter
First Round:
Barry Hawkins (15/ENG) 10–3 Jack Lisowski (Q/ENG)
↓
Mark Selby (2/ENG) 10–4 Matthew Selt (Q/ENG)
Second Round:
Barry Hawkins (15/ENG) 13–10 Mark Selby (2/ENG)
↓
Quarter-final:
Barry Hawkins (15/ENG) 13–7 Ding Junhui (10/CHN)
↓
Semi-final (Lower Half):
Barry Hawkins (15/ENG) 17–14 Ricky Walden (14/ENG)
↓ Final
Ronnie O'Sullivan (1/ENG) 18–12 Barry Hawkins (15/ENG)
↓ (Champion)[12] O'Sullivan's path through the draw included victories over Marcus Campbell (Q), Ali Carter (16), Stuart Bingham (9), Judd Trump (4), and Barry Hawkins (15) in the final.[12] Hawkins advanced by defeating Jack Lisowski (Q), Mark Selby (2), Ding Junhui (10), and Ricky Walden (14).[12]
Century Breaks
In the main draw at the Crucible Theatre, a total of 55 century breaks were compiled across all matches, marking a decrease from the 71 centuries recorded in the 2012 championship.[60] The highest break of the tournament was 143, achieved by Neil Robertson during his first-round defeat to Robert Milkins.[60] Leading contributors included Judd Trump with seven centuries and Ricky Walden with six, while Ronnie O'Sullivan recorded six in the final alone, becoming the first player to achieve that feat in a World Championship decider.[57] [61] The final between O'Sullivan and Barry Hawkins produced a record-equalling eight centuries in total, surpassing previous finals in terms of combined high breaks and underscoring the exceptional scoring in the match. O'Sullivan's contributions included 133, 124, 113, 106, 103, and 100, with Hawkins responding with 133 and 127.[57] Other notable main-draw centuries featured Ding Junhui's four breaks (114, 107, 104, 103) in his second-round win over Mark King, and Shaun Murphy's 128 against Martin Gould in the first round.[11]| Player | Centuries in Final | Break Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Ronnie O'Sullivan | 6 | 100, 103, 106, 113, 124, 133 |
| Barry Hawkins | 2 | 127, 133 |