Mark Pearson’s Final Sheffield reflections …

Our man at the Crucible pens his last diary entry

It’s the final day of the 17-day potty marathon that is the Betfred World Snooker Championship.

It truly has been a tournament that has had everything.

The longest frame ever recorded at over 79 minutes, and that doesn’t include the re-rack, between Gary Wilson and Luca Brecel in the opening round.

The first-ever Amateur to appear at the Crucible, and the first-ever Amateur victory – and in some style, after James Cahill beat favourite Ronnie O’Sullivan.

The first whitewash since 1992 when Shaun Murphy delivered a 10-0 scoreline against Luo Honghao.

And now we can add a couple more records, courtesy of this extraordinary final.

It has delivered the most century breaks ever recorded in a World final at ten, and still rising, eclipsing the previous best of eight from 2002 and 2013.

And Judd Trump’s 14^th Century of the tournament, and seventh of the final, delivered an incredible Century of Centuries for the first time ever, the previous record of 86 having long since been beaten.

This highlights the quality of Snooker at The Crucible of Dreams this year, and Betfred are delighted that we will be here to witness the ever-increasing World Class skill level for at least another two years to come.

So let’s crown a worthy winner, whether it’s Judd Trump’s maiden World title, or John Higgins’ fourth Crucible Crown.

Then it’s time to pack away the cues and take out the clubs, as the Betfred Bandwagon rolls on to Hillside Golf Club, Southport, for the Betfred British Masters.

I Love Snooker!