The evening session on 16 August 2019 will start with the match between Dennis Taylor and Stuart Watson.

Dennis Taylor of course will forever be associated with that “famous black” and the 1985 Final when he became World Champion, beating Steve Davis 18-17 in the early hours of the Tuesday morning , with over 18 Millions watching on BBC. Here you go…

But there is much more to Dennis than this match and this black. Dennis was ranked as high as n°2 in the World and won 19 professional titles, including the Masters and – of course – the World Championship.

Dennis loves to crack a joke … or many, but don’t be fooled: at the table he wants to win, badly and very seriously!

You will find Dennis profile on this blog here

And his profile by Elliott West here

Dennis opponent, Stuart Watson, has never been a pro. He earned his spot at the Crucible by beating Patrick Wallace by 3-0 in the final of the qualifying event 2, in Jersey.

Stuart has played a lot of snooker on the WSS tour over the last two seasons and earned the “most improved player award” at the “end-of-season” week-end in Newbury last June. 

More recently Stuart played at the Pink Ribbon 2019, a charity event organised for ten years at the South West Snooker Academy by Paul Mount and his team. There were nearly 400 entries this time. Amateurs competed over two days for the privilege to get to the “pro stage” and play some of the top professionals. Mind you … the final was played between Mark Allen and Stuart Bingham. Well, Stuart was one of those top amateurs who did reach the pro stage. He’s a seriously good player!

Mini Preview. Although Dennis Taylor still can play a a high level on his day, he tends to be a bit inconsistent nowadays. Dennis of course is used to the surroundings and that may be in his favour. Stuart Watson on the other hand has never played at the Crucible, it will be all new and maybe, intimidating. But I’m sure that he will relish the challenge, and he’s very solid. Prediction: Stuart Watson to prevail in a decider (and, why not? on the final black … )

My advice to Stuart … don’t listen to Dennis quips 😉 he will try every trick that old fox!