Dates 1–13 April 1957 Country Jersey Runner-up Jackie Rea | City Saint Helier Champion John Pulman Score 39–34 | |
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The 1957 World Professional Match-play Championship was a snooker tournament held from 1 to 13 April in Saint Helier, Jersey. This was the first time the final was held outside England. The World Championship was not held again until 1964. John Pulman won his first world title by defeating Jackie Rea 39–34 in the 73-frame final. Rea led in the early stages but Pulman pulled ahead and took a winning lead of 37–29 after the final afternoon session.
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In the 1956/1957 News of the World Snooker Tournament that had been played from October 1956 to March 1957, John Pulman had been handicapped as the fourth strongest player. None of the three higher handicapped players (Joe Davis, Fred Davis and Walter Donaldson) played in the Championship.
Main draw
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Final
The final was over 73 frames. Jackie Rea led 8–5 after the opening day,14–12 after the second day and 20–19 after day three. There was just one session on the fourth day and with Pulman winning 5 of the 7 frames he took the lead at 24–22. Pulman also had the best of the fifth day and extended his lead to 32–27. On the final day, Pulman won 5 of the 7 frames in the afternoon session to take a winning lead of 37–29. Rea won 5 of the 7 frames in the evening session to give a final score of 39–34.