Joe Davis (15 April, 1901 - 10 July, 1978), was an English professional snooker and billiards player, generally regarded as the father of modern snooker, and one of the greatest players of all time.
Joe Davis became a professional billards player at the age of 18, but soon developed an interest in snooker. He helped to organise the first snooker world championship in 1927. He won the tournament by beating Tom Dennis 20-10, for which he won £6 10s. He went on to win every world championship until 1946, when he retired from the event, but continued to play professionally until 1964.
Joe was also the World Professional Billiards Champion from 1928 until 1932.
In the 1950s, Joe Davis attempted to popularise a new game called Snooker Plus. This game had two extra coloured balls, an orange and a purple, but it never took off.
He achieved the first officially recognised maximum break of 147 in 1955 in an exhibition match at Leicester Square.
His brother Fred, twelve years younger, was also one of the greatest players of his era. When Joe met Fred in the world championship final of 1940, Joe won 37-36.
He was awarded an OBE in 1963.
Joe Davis died two months after collapsing while watching his brother in the 1978 world snooker championships semi-final.
Joe Davis is no relation to snooker player Steve Davis.
External link
References
- Advanced Snooker, Country Life, ISBN B0000CJ1MO.
- Complete Snooker, WH Allen, ISBN 0491015216.
- How I Play Snooker, Country Life, ISBN B0000CJK63.
Last updated: 10-13-2005 06:17:53
