1985 Snooker Final: Davis vs Taylor’s Legendary Black-Ball Thriller
Title: The Epic 1985 Snooker World Championship Final: Davis vs Taylor
In a captivating match that has gone down in snooker history, the 1985 World Championship final between Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor gripped the nation. The defending champion and world number one Davis was the overwhelming favorite against the unheralded Taylor.
The final began in one-sided fashion, with Davis racing to a commanding 8-0 lead. However, he missed a routine green in the ninth frame, allowing Taylor to get on the scoreboard. This proved to be a pivotal moment, as Taylor stormed back to trail only 9-7 overnight.
The following day, Taylor continued his fightback, drawing level at 11-11. Davis regained his composure to move within one frame of victory at 17-15, but Taylor showed incredible resilience to force a deciding frame.
In a tension-filled, 68-minute final frame watched by a record post-midnight UK television audience of 18.5 million, the match came down to the final black ball. Davis narrowly missed a cut into the bottom pocket, gasping commentator Ted Lowe to exclaim "No!" Taylor then stepped up and potted the black, sealing an incredible 18-17 triumph.
The 1985 final remains the most-watched program in the history of BBC Two. The dramatic conclusion and the contrasting styles and personalities of Davis and Taylor captured the public's imagination.
In the years since, Davis and Taylor have formed a popular exhibition duo, entertaining audiences with recreations of their famous final frame. The match showcased snooker at its finest and most compelling, forever linking Davis and Taylor in the sport's folklore.
Key Takeaway:
The 1985 World Snooker Championship final between Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor is widely regarded as the greatest match in snooker history. Taylor's remarkable comeback from 8-0 down, culminating in a nail-biting final black-ball finish, enthralled a record television audience and sealed the match's place in sporting legend. The final elevated snooker's popularity to new heights and forged an enduring rivalry and friendship between Davis and Taylor.
