STEVE DAVIS and Dennis Taylor are preparing to recreate what is widely considered the “greatest snooker match ever.”

Referred to as the “Black Ball Final,” the 1985 Sheffield showdown captivated 19 million viewers as Taylor triumphed over Davis in a gripping finish on BBC Two to clinch the world title.

Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor have come together to recreate the legendary snooker match

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Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor have come together to recreate the legendary snooker matchCredit: PA:Press Association
Known as the Black Ball Final, Taylor made an impressive comeback from seven frames down to win 18-17 on the final black ball

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Known as the Black Ball Final, Taylor made an impressive comeback from seven frames down to win 18-17 on the final black ballCredit: PA
Taylor, famous for his upside-down glasses, celebrated his stunning victory with his cue raised, marking one of snooker's most iconic moments

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Taylor, famous for his upside-down glasses, celebrated his stunning victory with his cue raised, marking one of snooker’s most iconic momentsCredit: Getty
The match still holds the record for UK viewership for any broadcast after midnight

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The match still holds the record for UK viewership for any broadcast after midnightCredit: PA

Davis, a three-time world champion at the time of their historic match, began with a commanding seven-frame lead, just as the bookmakers had predicted.

However, Taylor, known for his distinctive upside-down glasses, executed an incredible comeback, potting the final black ball to win 18-17.

This match remains the record-holder for the most UK viewers for any after-midnight broadcast.

Now, at ages 75 and 67 respectively, Taylor and Davis are excited to return to Victoria Hill to commemorate the legendary final in a special event hosted by John Virgo, which will also include audience interaction.

In reflection on their reunion, Taylor stated to the BBC: “Typically, John invites a few guests to demonstrate trick shots, after which Steve and I play a few frames followed by reenacting that final black ball finish with the remaining colors.

“Steve adds a wonderful sense of humor to everything, and the best part is that during my reenactment of that final, I get to win every time…

“When he was playing, he was intense and extremely focused – yet he brings so much joy. I truly enjoy working alongside him.

“The three of us engage the audience and have a great time.”

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Taylor noted that they each bring their “unique contributions” to the second half of the show and praised Davis’s notably humorous character.

The Menace added that fans still come up to him to share memories from that epic night nearly four decades ago, often asking for upside-down photos with their cameras.

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He continued: “It’s a moment that everyone remembers; they can recall exactly where they were when Steve and I faced off so fiercely.

“Having nearly 19 million viewers staying up past midnight to watch a match between a ginger-haired player and another sporting large, upside-down glasses is remarkable for capturing public attention.

“Steve claims he treasures that final even more than his six titles…

“Had we realized how many people were watching, I doubt we could have steadied our cues.

“The audience continued to grow, and the BBC had to drop other programs to keep the broadcast on air. It escalated rapidly.

“The pressure for both of us was incredible, yet we concentrated solely on the game.”

Hendry ultimately won six world titles, while 1985 was Taylor’s only championship.

Complete List of Snooker World Champions

BELOW is a chronological list of snooker World Champions.

This record pertains to the modern era, generally considered to have started from the 1968-69 season when the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) began overseeing the sport.

The first World Championships took place in 1927, interrupted between 1941-45 due to World War II and from 1958-63 due to internal disputes within the sport.

During that initial period, Joe Davis (15), Fred Davis, and John Pulman (8) were the most successful competitors.

Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O’Sullivan share the record for the most titles in the modern era, each having won seven championships.

  • 1969 – John Spencer
  • 1970 – Ray Reardon
  • 1971 – John Spencer
  • 1972 – Alex Higgins
  • 1973 – Ray Reardon (2)
  • 1974 – Ray Reardon (3)
  • 1975 – Ray Reardon (4)
  • 1976 – Ray Reardon (5)
  • 1977 – John Spencer (2)
  • 1978 – Ray Reardon (6)
  • 1979 – Terry Griffiths
  • 1980 – Cliff Thorburn
  • 1981 – Steve Davis
  • 1982 – Alex Higgins (2)
  • 1983 – Steve Davis (2)
  • 1984 – Steve Davis (3)
  • 1985 – Dennis Taylor
  • 1986 – Joe Johnson
  • 1987 – Steve Davis (4)
  • 1988 – Steve Davis (5)
  • 1989 – Steve Davis (6)
  • 1990 – Stephen Hendry
  • 1991 – John Parrott
  • 1992 – Stephen Hendry (2)
  • 1993 – Stephen Hendry (3)
  • 1994 – Stephen Hendry (4)
  • 1995 – Stephen Hendry (5)
  • 1996 – Stephen Hendry (6)
  • 1997 – Ken Doherty
  • 1998 – John Higgins
  • 1999 – Stephen Hendry (7)
  • 2000 – Mark Williams
  • 2001 – Ronnie O’Sullivan
  • 2002 – Peter Ebdon
  • 2003 – Mark Williams (2)
  • 2004 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (2)
  • 2005 – Shaun Murphy
  • 2006 – Graeme Dott
  • 2007 – John Higgins (2)
  • 2008 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (3)
  • 2009 – John Higgins (3)
  • 2010 – Neil Robertson
  • 2011 – John Higgins (4)
  • 2012 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (4)
  • 2013 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (5)
  • 2014 – Mark Selby
  • 2015 – Stuart Bingham
  • 2016 – Mark Selby (2)
  • 2017 – Mark Selby (3)
  • 2018 – Mark Williams (3)
  • 2019 – Judd Trump
  • 2020 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (6)
  • 2021 – Mark Selby (4)
  • 2022 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (7)
  • 2023 – Luca Brecel
  • 2024 – Kyren Wilson

Most World Titles (modern era)

  • 7 – Stephen Hendry, Ronnie O’Sullivan
  • 6 – Ray Reardon, Steve Davis
  • 4 – John Higgins, Mark Selby
  • 3 – John Spencer, Mark Williams
  • 2 – Alex Higgins