Origins & Early Life

Joseph Davis (15 April 1901 – 10 July 1978) was an English professional snooker and billiards player. He was the dominant figure in snooker from the 1920s to the 1950s, and has been credited with inventing aspects of the way the game is now played, such as break-building. He drove the creation of the World Snooker Championship by persuading the Billiards Association and Control Council to recognise an official professional snooker championship in 1927. Davis won the first 15 world championships from 1927 to 1946, and he is the only undefeated player in World Snooker Championship history.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

In 1935, he scored the championship's first century break. A professional English billiards player from the age of 18, Davis was World Billiards Champion four times between 1928 and 1932. He was the first person to win world championship titles in both billiards and snooker. After his 1946 victory, Davis no longer played in the World Snooker Championship but he participated in other tournaments and exhibition matches until 1964, winning four News of the World Snooker Tournament titles. He also continued to wield considerable influence over the professional game through his chairmanship of the professional...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• A. Philip Randolph — Shared historical date (04-15 · Born) (1889): Pioneer labor unionist and civil rights activist who fought for racial equality.
• Abraham Lincoln — Shared historical date (04-15 · Died) (1865): 16th President of the United States; guided the nation through the Civil War.
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• Albert Pierrepoint — Shared historical date (07-10 · Died) (1992): Prominent English hangman who executed hundreds of people in a 25-year career.
• 1901 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1901
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• 1978 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1978
• July 10 (07-10) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on July 10