Snooker legend Steve Davis found himself squirming on live TV during the World Snooker Championship after BBC’s Hazel Irvine reopened old wounds. As Wu Yize and Shaun Murphy battled it out to a nail-biting finish, Hazel reminded us all of the last time the tournament saw such drama—the infamous 1985 Black Ball Final. Davis certainly hadn’t forgotten!
In the studio with John Parrot and Irvine, Steve was reminded of that heartbreaking night where his commanding lead slipped through his fingers, paving the way for Dennis Taylor’s legendary comeback. Ah, the memories! And what did Steve have to say? Well, he jokingly wiped his brow and bit his tongue, while Parrot chimed in with a cheeky, “Did you have to, Hazel?”
For all the snooker fans, that iconic final drew a staggering 18.5 million viewers! Playing safe would have changed the game, Steve admitted in a reflective moment years later. A missed green ball still haunts him more than the final black.
As the current championship unfolded, Wu Yize secured an intense victory over Murphy with an 85 break, after a breathtaking display of nerves and skill. Despite losing, Murphy graciously applauded Wu’s achievement, proving that sportsmanship still reigns supreme.
Now, who’s for some snooker memories, tea in hand, and perhaps dreaming of a chance to rewrite history?