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Fred DavisA British billiards player, particularly snooker.
Date of Birth: 13.08.1913
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Early Life and Family
- Early Career
- Rise to Prominence
- Wartime Service and Championship Success
- Later Career and Legacy
Early Life and Family
Fred Davis was born on 13th August 1913 in Chesterfield, England. His family had a strong sporting background, with his older brother, Joe, already established as a professional billiard player. Competition between the brothers was intense, with Joe initially holding the upper hand. However, once Fred turned professional, he began to challenge his brother's dominance.
Early Career
Davis initially focused on traditional English billiards, winning the Junior National Championship in 1929. In the early 1930s, he turned his attention to snooker, making his debut in the World Snooker Championship in 1937. Despite high expectations, he lost in the first round.
Rise to Prominence
Undeterred by his early setback, Davis persevered, adapting his game to overcome his severe short-sightedness with the help of tailored glasses. He became a regular at the World Snooker Championship, often reaching the semi-finals, including memorable clashes with his brother.
Wartime Service and Championship Success
During World War II, Davis served bravely in the British Army. After the war, he resumed his snooker career. In 1948, he achieved his greatest triumph, winning the World Snooker Championship. He repeated this feat in 1949 and 1950, cementing his status as one of the game's all-time greats.
Later Career and Legacy
As younger players emerged, Davis faced stiff competition from the likes of Walter Donaldson and John Pulman. Nevertheless, he remained a formidable force, winning the News of the World Championship in 1958 and 1959. Fred Davis was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to sport. He passed away on 16th April 1998, leaving behind a legacy as one of Britain's most iconic and successful snooker players.
