The most interesting man in snooker has called it a day.
Steve Davis has announced his retirement from professional snooker, bringing to a close an astonishing 38-year career.
Davis’s attempts to qualify for this year’s World Championships were ended by Ireland’s Fergal O’Brien last week and ‘the Nugget’ told the BBC that would be his last match.
“The Fergal O’Brien match was my last and I told [World Snooker chairman] Barry Hearn it was time to call it a day. My father passed away recently and it was natural time to stop playing.
“I should have done it ages ago, I played a bit for my father. I am delighted to have such a great time in the game, I was lucky to have a hobby as my profession.
“It has been a fantastic. The game will move on to other places but I feel like the grandfather of the sport.”
Davis won a then record six world titles and a total of 28 rankings titles, figures only bettered by Stephen Hendry, who paid tribute to the 58-year-old by saying: “He was the best player I learned to be miserable from, I think I have done him proud.”
After making the announcement, Davis, who is working for the Beeb at this year’s tournament, was afforded a final opportunity to salute the Crucible crowd.
What a moment to be at the #crucible legend Steve Davis retires after 38 years #WorldSnooker pic.twitter.com/zPlUsODItv
— John Cushing (@JohnCushing_) April 17, 2016
