The Black Ball Final

In what became known as the Black Ball final of the 1985 World Snooker Championship was world #1 Steve Davis who had won the event in 1981, 1983 and 1984. His opponent was Northern Irishman Dennis Taylor who was appearing in his second final, having been runner-up in 1979.

It looked to be all over when Davis stormed to a 8-0 lead, but over the next 2 days, Taylor clawed his way back into the match to level the scores at 15-15 in the first to 18 final.

Davis then won the next two frames to get within one of the title only for Taylor to catch him again and tie the match at 17-17 and force a deciding frame.

It was a tense and nervous frame and Davis was initially ahead before allowing Taylor back on the table to clear up the colours leaving only the black between him and victory. After much thought and a imperious nod to the trophy, his attempted double to the centre pocket hit the edge and thereafter a game of cat and mouse ensured. 

Taylor left Davis with a half chance to the corner pocket which he missed to leave Taylor with an easier pot to the same pocket. Amid much joy and finger wagging, he duly slotted the black to take the lead for the first time in the match and the Championship with the last ball.

With over 18 million people staying up past midnight to watch the final on the BBC, the Black Ball final went down as one of the great Match Play Moments in snooker history.

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