Steve Davis on the Snooker Match That Defined His Career

Steve Davis, the dominant player of the 1980s in the world of snooker, is often asked about the match he lost to Dennis Taylor in the 1985 World Championship final. Despite winning the World Championship six times in that decade, it is the ‘Black Ball Final’ that remains etched in British sporting folklore.

The epic comeback by Taylor, who fought back from eight frames down to win the deciding frame on the final color after midnight, is a match that Davis is more than happy to discuss, almost 40 years on. The pair even travel around the country talking about that iconic match as part of their popular exhibition tour.

Davis, a great pal of Taylor’s, remains fascinated by the match, describing it as a David vs Goliath battle that captivated the nation. Despite some conspiracy theorists suggesting the match was fixed to elevate the sport’s standing, Davis dismisses such claims, pointing to his crushing victory over John Parrot in 1989 as the most satisfying of his six Crucible crowns.

The snooker legend also challenges the notion that the sport has declined since his heyday in the 80s, insisting that snooker is bigger and still growing. With sold-out events like the World Championship and the Masters, Davis highlights the global appeal of snooker and the increasing demand for successful players worldwide.

As one of the pioneers who helped popularize the sport internationally in the 80s, Davis is proud to see the continual growth of snooker and the expanding opportunities for players in different countries. Despite the occasional annoyance of being asked about the 1985 final, Davis remains a passionate advocate for the sport and its bright future.