The Embassy World Championship began a long time before most people think.

The tournament is actually one of the world's oldest sporting events, having begun more than 70 years ago.

Joe Davis was the first winner in 1927, collecting the silver trophy that is still played for today.

He won just £6 for his efforts, but became the greatest player of the first half of this century, winning the event for 16 consecutive years, with only World War Two interrupting that run.

Davis was presented with a replica of the trophy on his retirement in 1946.

There were several other winners, including Joe's brother Fred (who won the trophy eight times), before the modern era began in 1969.

Horace Lindrum won the trophy in 1952, although his victory is not recognised.

The tournament was boycotted by his fellow profesionals over a dispute over prize money and there were only two entrants.

Thus the first overseas entrant was Canadian Cliff Thorburn, who won the title in 1980, beating Alex Higgins in the final.

Two players dominated the early part of the modern tournament; John Spencer and Ray Reardon.

Spencer won three world titles and Reardon won six.

Northern Ireland's Alex Higgins also won one title in that period, becoming the tournament's youngest ever winner in 1972, winning the world crown at his first attempt and claiming it again ten years later.

In 1976 Embassy began their lengthy sponsorship, and a year later the championship moved to its now famous venue, the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

The conclusion of the 1985 final, between Dennis Taylor and Steve Davis attracted 18.5 million viewers, as Taylor went on to pot the final black 20 minutes after midnight.

By the end of the 1980s Davis won six titles, equalling Reardon's modern day record and he had appeared in eight world finals, losing out to 150-1 outsider Joe Johnson in 1986.

As the 90s dawned, however, Stephen Hendry emerged as one of the greatest players to grace the Crucible.

He superceded Higgins as the youngest ever champion in 1990 and has so far won six titles throughout the decade, beating Jimmy White four times in the final including in 1992 when he recovered from 14-8 behind to win 18-14.

Hendry's attempt at a record seventh title failed when he lost 18-12 to Ken Doherty in the final.

© PA Sporting Life