1) Steve Davis v John Parrot, 1989
The sun was shining into the pressroom as Steve Davis conducted his post-match interview after beating John Parrott 18-3 to capture his sixth title at the Crucible. Parrott, running on empty after depleting mental reserves en route to the final, was beaten with a full session to spare.

2) Stephen Hendry v Jimmy White, 1993
Those who expected another epic encounter between Stephen Hendry and Jimmy White were disappointed. The Crucible’s nearlyman never threatened to break his hoodoo. Hendry compiled three century breaks en route to the third of his seven World Championship wins. White’s highest run was 60 as, once again, no concluding evening session was required.

3) Ronnie O'Sullivan v Graeme Dott, 2004
A huge shock was brewing when Graeme Dott won the first five frames against Ronnie O’Sullivan but momentum soon shifted.O’Sullivan, who had trounced Stephen Hendry 17-4 in the semi-finals, dropped only three more frames as he ran out a convincing 18-8 winner to reclaim the trophy he first lifted in 2001.

4) Steve Davis v Cliff Thorburn, 1983
Having eased past Alex Higgins 16-5 in the semi-finals, Davis ruthlessly overcame Cliff Thorburn 18-6 for the title. Davis, at the peak of his powers and with his aura of invincibility yet to be punctured by losing to Dennis Taylor in the 1985 final, was also in a league of his own in the quarter-finals, brushing aside Eddie Charlton 13-5.

5) Ray Reardon v Alex Higgins, 1976
Ray Reardon, cool, measured and tactically astute, frustrated and outplayed Alex Higgins at Wythenshawe Forum in the last World Championship final not played at the Crucible. Higgins conceded several frames early as Reardon beat him 27-16 to win the fifth of his six world titles.

Explore More Sport

• Cycling

• Athletics

• Sailing

• US Sport