The 1986/87 season had a total of 145 players, up from 128 the previous year.
There were 93 active players, and their final ratings based solely on their performances in this season were as follows:
Once again, Steve Davis was top of the pile. He began the season with a run to the Final of the 1986 Australian Masters, losing 3-2 to Dennis Taylor. A loss in the Semi Final of the 1986 Thailand Masters to James Wattana followed, before he won his first tournament win of the season at the 1986 China Masters. Two Semi-Final defeats followed, at the 1986 Malaysian Masters and the 1986 Hong Kong Masters. He did one better at the 1986 Matchroom Trophy, reaching the final but losing out to Willie Thorne 10-9.
Davis was upset by Eugene Hughes in the Quarter Final of the 1986 International Open, and lost out to Rex Williams in the Quarter Final of the 1986 Grand Prix. Better form was found at the 1986 Canadian Masters, where Davis beat Willie Thorne 9-3 in the Final to win the event. Another win soon followed, as Davis won the 1986 UK Championship, before once again losing out at the single-frame Pot Black event. Long format snooker continued to bring more success, Davis winning the Final of the 1987 Classic 13-12 against Jimmy White.
He could not get past the Last 16 of the 1987 Masters, or the Last 32 of the 1987 British Open. He then lost out in the Semi Final of the 1987 Kent Cup, before winning the 1987 Irish Masters, defeating Willie Thorne 9-1 in the Final. Another win followed at the 1987 Matchroom League, where Davis topped the table.
Davis reached the 1987 World Championships with a point to prove, having lost in the Final for 2 consecutive years. This time, there was to be no upset. Warren King made it interesting, but was overcome 10-7. Ray Reardon, now way past his best, was beaten 13-4. Terry Griffiths was beaten 13-5, then Jimmy White 16-11.
The Final was a repeat of the year before, as Joe Johnson had once again managed to reach the last stage against long odds. This time, there was to be no miracle victory, and Steve Davis reclaimed his World Title. He was the #1 Player in the World, and now a 4-times World Champion.
8 Yards 8 Feet 