Dennis Taylor (right) in his trademark 'upside-down' glasses, and Steve Davis at the end of the World Snooker Championship final at the Crucible on April 29, 1985 . Davis was the defending champion and three-time winner but Taylor snatched victory with the final ball of the match.

placeholder image — Dennis Taylor (right) in his trademark 'upside-down' glasses, and Steve Davis at the end of the World Snooker Championship final at the Crucible on April 29, 1985 . Davis was the defending champion and three-time winner but Taylor snatched victory with the final ball of the match.

Sheffield's World Snooker Championship: 13 retro pictures capturing the excitement of the crowds

Deputy Editor

Published 15th Apr 2023, 04:45 GMT

Sheffield city centre is preparing to welcome snooker fans for another year of the World Snooker Championship at The Crucible theatre.

Snooker fans can watch the tournament, which takes place from April 15 to May 1, on a large screen outside The Crucible. Ronnie O’Sullivan, who will be defending his world title, has also opened a pop-up shop full of snooker memorabilia on Chapel Walk.

Here, we have delved into our archives to bring you this selection of pictures taken at the championship in days gone by.

Can you spot yourself or someone you know in the crowds?

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Willie Thorne competing in the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield in April 1983

9. Crowd favourite

Willie Thorne competing in the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield in April 1983 Photo: Adrian Murrell

Joe Johnson becomes World Snooker Champion in 1986

10. Go, Joe

Joe Johnson becomes World Snooker Champion in 1986 Photo: Chris Holt

Fans on their feet as Neil Robertson celebrates beating Martin Gould on April 24, 2010

11. Neil's victory

Fans on their feet as Neil Robertson celebrates beating Martin Gould on April 24, 2010 Photo: Gareth Copley/PA Wire

Snooker fans watching the action on screens located in Tudor Square and the Winter Gardens, Sheffield last year

12. Snooker on screen

Snooker fans watching the action on screens located in Tudor Square and the Winter Gardens, Sheffield last year Photo: Steve Ellis

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