By Elliott West
Introduction
Once in a while, you come across a snooker gem in the archives. On this occasion, the king of light entertainment, Bruce Forsyth set up a meeting with the former king of the green baize, Joe Davis. Joe, who had long retired from the game at the time of this interview, leaving the sport in 1946, could still display the flair and swagger that he used to produce in his heyday. A meeting that took place at Soho Square.
The Match
It seems Bruce Forsyth made a fatal mistake at the onset of this match. Already drilled by Davis on his stance and positioning of the cue under his chin, the former champion teased Bruce on the size of his chin and said he should have a dimple in his chin like himself to rest the cue. Forsyth then fatally mentioned that they should play a match for a ‘fiver’.
The entertainer must have regretted this decision as he was frozen off the table by Joe Davis for the entire match. Although the shots potted are clearly edited with the camera only filming the balls that actually went in for Joe, Bruce is unable to pot a ball. However the irony of the piece is that Bruce plays a trick shot at the end and pots every ball on the table, thanks to camera trickery. A tactic that wins him the five pounds.
What Forsyth doesn’t foresee is that one the set crew would want the money that was owed to him and Bruce has to give him six pounds, borrowing one pound off Davis. Although clearly a spoof for entertainment value, we are privileged to see the brilliance of this player, even in later years. Someone who although was focused on clearing the table, could also display his lighter side, laughing and joking with the showman as the camera rolled.
Joe Davis had been world champion for twenty consecutive years between the years 1927 and 1946 and was instrumental in the introduction of the Davis Cup with his brother Fred. However, it certainly didn’t hold the glamour and monetary rewards that it does today. Joe had to supplement his career with numerous exhibition matches and appearances, just to be able to make a decent living. This was in a time when snooker wasn’t vastly popular and had very professional snooker players.
Even Ronnie O’Sullivan has said on several occasions that he wished he could have played Joe Davis. Davis, the tactician, may have faired better against O’Sullivan than many have predicted. His knowledge of the game was immense and he was able to draw on his time as a billiards player to create shots and safety play that would have players in awe and a state of confusion.
