Fred Davis
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- For the Canadian broadcaster who hosted Front Page Challenge, see Fred Davis (broadcaster). For the English footballer see Fred Davis (footballer).
| Fred Davis | ||
|---|---|---|
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| Born | August 13, 1913 Whittingham Moor, Chesterfield |
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| Died | April 16, 1998 | |
| Nationality | English | |
| Professional | 1937 - 1992 | |
| Highest ranking | 4 (1976/77) | |
| Tournament wins | ||
| Major events | 10 | |
Fred Davis MBE (August 13, 1913 - April 16, 1998) was an English professional snooker and billiards player, and was one of the most loved personalities in the game.
Davis was originally a billiards player, turning professional in 1929. His first professional snooker match was in 1937.
He was the younger brother (by twelve years) of Joe Davis, who dominated snooker from 1927 to 1946. Joe retired from the world championship after his 1946 victory, leaving the way open for Fred to win three times in 1948, 1949 and 1951. The only time they met in the world championship final was in 1940, when Joe beat Fred 37-36. Following a disagreement between some of the players and the governing body Davis played in an alternative tournament - the World Matchplay - which he won on five consecutive occasions from 1952 - 1956. Davis retired in 1957 leaving the path clear for his rival John Pulman. When the official World Championship was resumed in 1964 on a challenge basis Davis came out of retirement but had lost his edge and lost on each occasion to John Pulman in 1964, 1965 and 1966.
World rankings were introduced in 1976. Davis' abilities had peaked long before this, but he was still ranked number 4 that season.
He was awarded the MBE in 1977.
He reach the semi-finals of the Embassy World Championship in 1978 at the age of 64.
He won the World Billiards Championship in 1980 and 1981 (held November 1980).
Davis played professionally well into old age, making his last appearance in the Crucible in 1984 aged 70 and only retiring in 1992, aged 78.
Fred Davis is no relation to snooker player Steve Davis.
[edit] Tournament wins
- World Championship - 1948, 1949, 1951
- World Matchplay 1952–1956
- News of the World Championship - 1958, 1959
