The last player to qualify for this year's World Championship first did so in 1979.
That man is, of course, the great Steve Davis who rallied from 5-0 down to beat Lee Spick 10-8.
It means he will be at the Crucible for a 28th time. He is 51 years of age but the sheer love he has for snooker and competition has not diminished in his 31 years on the professional circuit.
He likened the build up to the World Championship as "like waiting for Christmas."
Steve also believes the Crucible should carry on staging the championship - as seems likely - when the contract expires next year.
He said: “You throw the game’s history in the bin at your peril.
“There would have to be a very good reason for doing it. I’m not sure what that reason would be but it’d have to be big.
“I don’t know what the future of the game holds but I’d be loathe to take it away from the Crucible.”
I have to say I agree with him, unless a financial offer is made that is so big it's impossible to turn down.
What I've found here over the last three days is how much getting to the Crucible means to all players - newcomers and old timers alike.
We now know the players that will be there. Now to the draw...
12 comments:
I know this has nothing to do with the WC but why don't you get a domain name for this blog?
I'd hate to have a very popular blog on a free service such as Blogspot, and then have it shut down for no reason...
not saying this site will, but some do. Only saying.
Well, well, well done, Ginger! He's still playing well... Amazing!
I've got to tip my hat to Davis - what other sportsman, let alone snooker player, has maintained such a high standard for so long. A credit to his sport and the epitome of professionalism.
Come on The Nugget! Thank god he qualified. This will make the first round a lot more fun. Can't wait for the draw tomorrow.
It was wonderful to see how excited Steve was on securing victory today- I dont remember him being that exuberant when he won a world title!
Well done Steve
I wish they'd filmed the qualifyers. Steve's one of my favorite players. Looking forward to seeing him playing at the crucible, yet again.
We all wish they film the qualifiers..
Well done Steve! His pride and love for the game is a credit to snooker and this must mean a lot to him to reach the Crucible again. Well done!
bongo@TSF
http://www.thesnookerforum.com/
Hello Dave. This year is actually the 29th time that Steve Davis will appear at the Crucible (not the 28th). This is his 31st season as a professional and he has only missed out twice (2001 and 2002).
If he reaches the crucible next season he will have played there in 5 different decades. Not only is he a snooker legend,but a true world sport legend.
NICK
Well said Nick!
This is fantastic news. I just saw the draw seeing him coming up against Robertson. What a thrill it would be to see Steve steamroll him 10-2 (in my dreams). I've taken two weeks off from work so I won't miss a second.
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