This year's World Snooker Championship at The Crucible produced its usual mix of high-value entertainment and gripping drama.

BBC Sport asked five people from the world of snooker for their thoughts on the 17-day marathon, dividing the categories into favourite match, biggest disappointment, favourite shot and memorable moment.

Phil Yates, The Times: "It was Stephen Hendry beating Mark Allen 10-9 in the first round. Hendry looked like he was going to be beaten because Allen had so many chances."

Hendry edged past Allen in the first round of the World Championship

Clive Everton, BBC commentator: "Liang Wenbo v Joe Swail - it was so close and switched this way and that." Liang became the first Chinese player to reach the quarter-finals at The Crucible when he won 13-12.

Saj Chowdhury, BBC Sport: "Stephen Maguire v Neil Robertson because of Maguire's demolition job in the first session. It was extraordinary stuff." Maguire moved into the last eight with a 13-7 victory.

Phil Studd, BBC Radio 5 Live: "Mark Williams v Ronnie O'Sullivan. It was an eagerly awaited match between two great players. The first two sessions were close and in fact Williams could have taken the lead but ended up 9-7 down with a session left. However, in the end we were treated to four frames of thrilling, whirlwind snooker." O'Sullivan won 13-7 to seal a quarter-final berth.

SC: "I felt sorry for Stephen Hendry during his battering at the hands of Ronnie O'Sullivan in the last four. He was unlucky to catch the Rocket at his very best."

606: DEBATE Your thoughts on the tournament

CE: "The form of Shaun Murphy. It surprised me that he didn't play better. It surprised me a lot."

PY: "Mark Selby losing to Mark King in the first round. Nobody expected King to beat the Masters champion."

PS: "Possibly John Higgins going out to Ryan Day. Higgins looked good in the early stages but then seemed to lose the plot."

JP: "I never qualified."

CE: "I'm with Phil on that."

JP: "Ronnie O'Sullivan's 13th black for the 147. He punched it in from a straight angle bounced it off the top cushion and flicked the red quarter ball to go on and make the maximum."

SC: "Stephen Hendry's three-ball plant against Ding. The confidence was oozing at that point."

PY: "Ronnie's final black to make the 147. It was historic because it was his ninth, beating Hendry's record of eight."

CE: "Stephen Hendry winning the vital frame against Mark Allen when he needed two snookers."

JP: "Ronnie's 147 was tremendous but Ali Carter's emotion after he made his maximum was a fantastic moment."

PY: "Liang Wenbo's unrestrained reaction when he beat Joe Swail because that showed the raw enthusiasm of the kid."

PS: "Hendry giving his congratulations to O'Sullivan after the Rocket's extraordinary display."

SC: "Sitting next to artist Damien Hirst in The Crucible without realising it was him."