|  | | Last Updated: Tuesday, 6 May, 2003, 09:19 GMT 10:19 UK |
Number cruncher: Crucible centurions
| Stephen Hendry may have missed out on an eighth world title in 2003, but he reinforced his reputation as the most prolific break-builder in Crucible history. The leading century break makers at The Crucible
The Scot notched his 100th century in round two of the Embassy World Championships, a feat no other player comes close to matching. Compatriot John Higgins is clear in second place followed by "maximum man" Ronnie O'Sullivan, who only added one ton to his tally in 2003 - a second Crucible 147. Beyond this established top three, things get surprising. Last year's champion Peter Ebdon is better known for his slow play than his heavy scoring. But he has one more century to his name than six-time world champion Steve Davis. | CRUCIBLE MAXIMUMS 1983: Cliff Thorburn 1992: Jimmy White 1995: Stephen Hendry 1997: Ronnie O'Sullivan 2003: Ronnie O'Sullivan |
Seasoned pros Jimmy White and John Parrott round out the top seven, with Matthew Stevens, Ken Doherty and Mark Williams hot on their heels. But where are Crucible icons Ray Reardon, Cliff Thorburn and Alex Higgins? With nine World Championships, a ground-breaking 147 and bags of talent to boast of, their absence from the list is a testament to the changing face of snooker. Where breaks of 50 or 60 did the job in the 1980s, runs of 80-plus are needed now. Hendry raised the break-building stakes and snooker's young guns have followed his lead.
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