Unforgettable Snooker Games.
Top Ten Most Remarkable Snooker Matches
Snooker, a game of precision, drama, and incredible skill, has delivered some of the most captivating moments in sports history. From nerve-wracking comebacks to legendary maximum breaks, here are the top ten most remarkable and unforgettable snooker matches ever played. Each of these games has left an indelible mark on snooker history.
1. 1985 World Championship Final – Steve Davis vs. Dennis Taylor
Known as: The Black Ball Final
Result: Dennis Taylor won 18-17
This legendary final is famous for Dennis Taylor’s dramatic comeback from 8-0 down to win on the final black ball. Watched by 18.5 million viewers, this remains snooker’s most iconic match.
Watch the final moments on YouTube
2. 1982 World Championship Semi-Final – Alex Higgins vs. Jimmy White
Known for: Higgins’ Miracle Clearance
Result: Alex Higgins 16-15 Jimmy White
Higgins staged an unbelievable comeback, particularly memorable for his incredible 69-point clearance under immense pressure.
Watch Higgins’ legendary clearance
3. 1983 UK Championship Final – Alex Higgins vs. Steve Davis
Significance: Higgins’ Stunning Comeback from 0-7 down
Result: Alex Higgins 16-15 Steve Davis
An epic battle where Higgins fought back dramatically to defeat Davis and complete snooker’s coveted Triple Crown.
4. 1994 World Championship Final – Stephen Hendry vs. Jimmy White
Known as: The Heartbreaker at the Crucible
Result: Stephen Hendry 18-17 Jimmy White
This unforgettable final came down to the last frame, where White famously missed an easy black, handing Hendry the title.
5. 1997 World Championship – Ronnie O’Sullivan vs. Mick Price
Historic Moment: Ronnie’s Fastest 147 Break
Result: Ronnie O’Sullivan won 10-3
Ronnie achieved snooker immortality by completing a 147 maximum break in just 5 minutes and 8 seconds.
Watch the full break
6. 1997 Charity Challenge Final – Stephen Hendry vs. Ronnie O’Sullivan
Famous For: Hendry’s Deciding Frame 147
Result: Stephen Hendry 9-8 Ronnie O’Sullivan
Hendry achieved a remarkable maximum break in the final deciding frame under immense pressure.
6. 1998 Masters Final – Mark Williams vs. Stephen Hendry
Known for: Respotted Black Drama
Result: Mark Williams 10-9 Stephen Hendry
Williams won dramatically on a respotted black, showcasing incredible nerve against Hendry at Wembley.
7. 2002 World Championship Final – Peter Ebdon vs. Stephen Hendry
Epic Finish: Ebdon’s Crucible Triumph
Result: Peter Ebdon 18-17 Stephen Hendry
Ebdon’s stunning fightback and final-frame nerve denied Hendry an eighth world title in an emotionally charged decider.
7. 2004 Masters Final – Paul Hunter vs. Ronnie O’Sullivan
Legendary Comeback: Hunter’s Wembley Masterclass
Result: Paul Hunter 10-9 Ronnie O’Sullivan
From 2-7 down, Hunter dramatically fought back to win, solidifying his legacy as the “Master of the Masters.”
8. 2018 World Championship Final – Mark Williams vs. John Higgins
Veteran Showdown: Williams’ Emotional Victory
Result: Mark Williams 18-16 John Higgins
Williams, aged 43, triumphed in a classic final, making history as the oldest champion since Ray Reardon, showcasing resilience and brilliance against Higgins.
9. 2011 UK Championship Final – Judd Trump vs. Mark Allen
Thrilling Encounter: Judd Trump’s Breakthrough
Result: Judd Trump 10-8 Mark Allen
Trump announced himself as a future star with attacking brilliance, winning a thrilling contest that launched his prolific career.
9. 2019 World Championship Final – Judd Trump vs. John Higgins
Record-Breaking Final: Trump’s Dominant Victory
Result: Judd Trump 18-9 John Higgins
A final filled with unprecedented quality; Trump’s incredible performance included seven centuries, a record in Crucible finals.
10. 2020 World Championship Semi-Final – Ronnie O’Sullivan vs. Mark Selby
Classic Comeback: Ronnie’s Miraculous Recovery
Result: Ronnie O’Sullivan 17-16 Mark Selby
O’Sullivan completed an extraordinary late comeback, turning the match around from 14-16 to a thrilling 17-16 victory.
Watch highlights of the final frames on YouTube
Final Thoughts
These ten unforgettable matches capture the essence of snooker – dramatic twists, historic performances, and extraordinary skill under immense pressure. They embody everything fans love about this mesmerizing sport.
Which match stands out most to you? Share your favorite moments and unforgettable games in the comments below!
Peter Tesh • Senior Writer