A BROMSGROVE social club turned snooker-loopy when one of the sport’s most successful names made a special visit, writes Nigel Slater.
Six-times world champion Steve Davis wowed dozens of snooker lovers at the town’s Unionist Club on Kidderminster Road when he showed some of the skills that made him the world’s dominant star throughout the 1980s.
Romford-born Davis won the World Championship back in 1981, 1983, 1984, 1987, 1988 and 1989. He is also famous for losing one of the sport’s finest and most gripping World Championship finals in history after losing the final frame decider in 1985 – on the final black – against Dennis Taylor.
Davis is now a regular pundit for BBC’s coverage and officially announced his retirement from playing earlier this year following the death of his father Bill.
Bill played a huge part in his son’s career, as a corner man and coach, as Davis dominated snooker throughout the 1980s taking the sport into a new and exciting competitive level.
But in what was a rare visit to the Worcestershire area on Thursday (July 14), ‘The Nugget’ as he is also known rolled back the years showing an enthisiastic crowd some stunning pots and brilliant positional play when he faced some of the town’s most talented club players.
But as well the snooker, there was comedy too as he made many jokes about his career and the players he faced over the years.
Speaking exclusively to the Standard, Davis said he was thrilled to be at a part of the country which hasn’t seen top professional snooker for many years.
“It’s great to be here. This area and the West Midlands has a fantastic snooker history, though its not had a great deal in recent times. I don’t think there’s been a big tournament here in a long time.
“I’ve always admired the grassroots levels of snooker and I like to think, even though I’m not playing competively anymore, events like this are something I can do so that I can provide entertainment to fans. These events also ensure I don’t lose touch of the game.”
Davis also said he never gets bored of talking to fans and the media about the Davis/Taylor final in 1985 which was sensationally watched by more than 18million TV viewers.
And, to the delight of the crowd, Davis jokingly did Taylor’s trademark finger waving gesture which the Ulsterman is well known for doing after he potted that final black more than 31 years ago.
Davis added: “It proved how popular and how much drama snooker could produce because that final captured the whole nation. It felt like we had everybody tuned in.
“And for that to happen for a game for most people is a pastime and a bit of fun is testament to how good the game is on TV.”
The night was organised by Bromsgrove residents and snooker enthusiasts Glyn Thomas and Steve Venn who was Master of Ceremonies.
Mr Venn said: “We were thoroughly impressed by Steve’s 100 per cent professionalism, his conduct, the way he spoke to people and obviously what he did on the table.
“He was wonderful and an absolute pleasure.”
