We are all talking about the possibility of Graeme Dott breaking the Crucible Curse – if you'd suggested that five years ago you'd have been laughed at.
But, looking into things a bit deeper, I find that the last time the defending champion reached the following year's final was 1997 champion Ken Doherty's appearance in the final in 1997. And the last time the official no.1 reached the final was Stephen Hendry in 1997.
So, if either Dott or Hendry should reach this year's final, it will end a surprisingly long period with neither of the top two seeds making it that far!
But, looking into things a bit deeper, I find that the last time the defending champion reached the following year's final was 1997 champion Ken Doherty's appearance in the final in 1997. And the last time the official no.1 reached the final was Stephen Hendry in 1997.
So, if either Dott or Hendry should reach this year's final, it will end a surprisingly long period with neither of the top two seeds making it that far!
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