Crucible centuries since 1977

A look at the number of World Championship centuries in the Crucible era, and how snooker has become a big-scorer's game.

The 1980s is often portrayed as snooker's golden decade but the likes of Alex Higgins, Steve Davis, Cliff Thorburn and Dennis Taylor are made to look pot-shy by today's breathtaking break-builders.

Century breaks are a hallmark of snooker excellence, and a new record of 86 tons was set at last year's World Championship.

Hurricane Higgins and Grinder Thorburn may have captured the hearts of the public, but the likes of Neil Robertson, Ronnie O'Sullivan and Stuart Bingham have taken sinking snooker balls to a new level.

Here is a look at the number of World Championship centuries in the Crucible era, and how snooker has become a big-scorer's game:

World Championship Century Breaks

1977: 6

1978: 7

1979: 13

1980: 11

1981: 13

1982: 10

1983: 18

1984: 8

1985: 14

1986: 20

1987: 18

1988: 18

1989: 19

1990: 18

1991: 31

1992: 25

1993: 35

1994: 35

1995: 30

1996: 48

1997: 39

1998: 59

1999: 53

2000: 54

2001: 53

2002: 68

2003: 53

2004: 55

2005: 63

2006: 46

2007: 68

2008: 63

2009: 83

2010: 60

2011: 74

2012: 71

2013: 55

2014: 58

2015: 86

Top Five Crucible Century Break Makers

• Statistics correct before the 2016 World Championship

Ronnie O'Sullivan - 151

Stephen Hendry - 127

John Higgins - 113

Shaun Murphy - 57

Matthew Stevens - 56.