The 2004 championship remains a significant chapter in the World Snooker Tour , representing the peak of the "modern era" where O'Sullivan began his ascent to matching Stephen Hendry's then-record of seven world titles.
: Despite eventually winning 18–8, O'Sullivan initially trailed 0–5 to Graeme Dott in the first session before staging a massive recovery. World Championship Snooker 2004
: In the semi-finals, O'Sullivan delivered a crushing 17–4 defeat to Stephen Hendry . This set a new record for the largest margin of victory in a World Championship semi-final, surpassing Hendry's own 1992 record. The 2004 championship remains a significant chapter in