•
Stephen Hendry won his fifth world title beating
Nigel Bond 18–9. This was Hendry's fourth consecutive title, breaking
Steve Davis' previous Crucible record of three. • Hendry made the third 147 maximum break in the history of the tournament during his semi-final against
Jimmy White. • Before the first round match between
Jimmy White and
Peter Francisco, there were unusual
gambling patterns on a 10–2 win for White and betting was suspended shortly before the match. A betting investigation was held and Francisco was banned for five years. • Future world champion
John Higgins made his debut in this tournament. He lost in the first round to
Alan McManus. Another debutant,
Andy Hicks, reached the semi-finals, knocking out six time former champion (and #2 seed)
Steve Davis en route. • Until
2020 this was the last World Championship to start on a Friday and finish on a Sunday, rather than starting on a Saturday and finishing on the "May Day" Bank Holiday, the first Monday in May, as is tradition. ==Prize fund==