One big inspiration for Knowles has been his good friend, fellow 80s legend Jimmy White, who still plays professionally. But everything comes full circle andyou saw at the World Championship this year a very controlled style of play from the likes of Mark Selby and Stuart Bingham. But Higgins was also volatile, often having bust-ups with officials, fellow players and even spectators. In a match where he was never behind until the the final frame, the 'Rocket' recorded breaks of 136, 123, 115, 102 and 101, as well as three half centuries, but still lost. She was crying and went to the bathroom. Weve taken on several new staff and we want to transfer our management structure and the things weve learned to our new project. The son of a coalman from Tooting, South London, Jimmy was typical of a generation of lads from humble origins inspired by seeing stars on TV. He earned millions but blew six-figure sums on drugs and booze. Snooker started to get slightly less interesting and football kind of re-emerged. But looking back, Steve, 65, doesnt think the money men then driving the game left a positive legacy. World Seniors Championship 2021 - Jimmy White Three-times World Championship semi-finalist Knowles is bidding to rejoin the WST ranks at the age of 65. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to Suave Tony Knowles, who is also interviewed in the new documentary, was a pin-up known for enjoying the company of the opposite sex. Sport doesnt go on for ever. The three-times world champion punched Nazma Craig while she was staying at his flat in the Lake District. Veteran commentator and author Clive Everton reported in his Black Farce and Cue Ball Wizards that a roaring trade developed among female followers in I Said No to Tony Knowles pin badges. [13] Meo recorded his third win against Virgo in the season with a 106 win at the 1981 World Snooker Championship, making a break of 134 during the match. means an event is/was no longer a ranking event. File photo dated 10-10-1982 of David taylor, 39 (left) from manchester shaking hands with his opponent in the Jameson Irish Whiskey International Open Snooker final, Tony knowles, 27, from bolton - the trophy stands on the table in front of them. He was a complete loose cannon. As Steve lost the final, decisive frame of 35 in a match that remains the games high-water mark, he was suddenly human again. These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience the local community. I had loads of drug dealers all over the place too. Menu. We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. Amongst them,David Lilley the reigning Seniors World Champion will also be there, trying to regain his tour card. MASTERS HOPE: Tony Knowles takes on Jimmy White in Peterborough. [27], Meo was a semi-finalist at the World Championship, losing 716 to John Parrott. From Bolton, Tony rose to a career-high ranking of number two during the 1984/5 season, courtesy in part to his victories at both the 1982 International Open and 1983 Professional Players Tournament. Fittingly, the man who dominated the game in its golden era won his sixth and final world title in 1989. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. Facing Higgins, Meo was ahead after their first session, and at 98 was a frame away from winning before Higgins took the last two frames with breaks of 77 and 62 to claim victory. Meo won the next three frames for a 97 victory, finishing with a break of 94 in the 16th frame. [28][29] However, in the following years, he failed to reach as far as the quarter-finals in any ranking tournament, and his ranking fell one place to 15th, then out of the top 32. It was a dark time.. At 68 years old, Tony Knowles height not available right now. The 56-year-old, of Bowness, aims to develop the venue along with his professional snooker career. Other big names playing include Ken Doherty, John Parrott, Dennis Taylor and Joe Upon his return to the Crucible the following morning, the 26-year-olc duly polished off the two frames required to cause one of the sports biggest upsets, and his reputation as a mullet-haired lothario was born. A staggering one in five 16-to-24-year-olds have taken cocaine in the last year. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. In the second session, Davis took the first four frames, compiling six breaks of 35 or more. A Gannett Company. But Higgins manager Harvey Lisberg maintains he was always a handful. [2] He was nicknamed "The Cat" and "Meo, Meo". Ramped-up TV coverage made it a dream ticket to fame and fortune, while footie was marred by hooliganism. It was a dark time.. Anthony "Tony" Knowles (born 13 June 1955, in Bolton, Lancashire) is an English former professional snooker player. Suave Tony Knowles, who is also interviewed in the new documentary, was a pin-up known for enjoying the company of the opposite sex. As Steve lost the final, decisive frame of 35 in a match that remains the games high-water mark, he was suddenly human again. Alex, a friend of hard-living actor Oliver Reed, once said: I like all the things a fella likes, including my wine, women and song. The Seniors Tour has offered him playing opportunities as well as a renewed appetite for competition. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. [24] He compiled a maximum break of 147 in his 1988 Matchroom League match against Stephen Hendry. The Northern Irish hellraiser and double world champ died in 2010 of throat cancer aged 61. Suave Tony Knowles, who is also interviewed in the new documentary, was a pin-up known for enjoying the company of the opposite sex. The three-part documentary, from Therouxs new company Mindhouse Productions, has rare access to giants of the game including Steve Davis, Stephen Hendry, Dennis Taylor, Cliff Thorburn and Ray Reardon. Editors' Code of Practice. List of snooker players investigated for match-fixing Meo claimed the next four frames, to require just one more frame at 87, having recovered from more than 40 points behind in both the 12th and 15th frames. So why has he decided to enter Q School in the hope of becoming a professional on the tour again? He was also ordered to pay 120 victim surcharge and 625 costs. Before I knew where I was, Id see my best friend crawling around the floor trying to find little bits of rock and seeing someone who you trust with your life get a bit of a rock and hide it in his pocket. He was involved in a directorial role for World Snooker in the early 2000s. I dont think I should be deprived of that sort of thing just because I play snooker.. John Virgo, 77, as a player a contemporary of Higgins and later a respected commentator, says: It kept the game on the sports pages. It usurped it. He won four World Doubles Championship titles, partnering Davis, and the 1983 World Team Classic representing England alongside Davis and Tony Knowles. But when he started winning tournaments in the Seventies, he suddenly had the money to feed his love of booze, women and, later, drugs. Did you know? Tony Knowles's net worth The potter from Bolton was one of the main cast in the soap-opera decade that followed, with the sport featuring as much in the front pages of newspapers as it did on the back. He issued a public statement assuring the world he had no such fetish. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. Tony Meo - Wikipedia But at the same time, theres some joy in what they gave us during those magical times., Dad who got trapped inside indoor adventure centre cave dies from his injuries, Britain's Got Talent audience member shares secret of Noodle the cat's audition, Brit MasterChef Australia host dies aged 46 as Gordon Ramsay leads tributes, First look at Britain's biggest EVER stage for King Charles' coronation concert, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. For other inquiries, Contact Us. FOR decades, football fuelled youngsters imaginations by turning working-class boys into superstars., but in the 1980s snooker was the glamorous sport. What I need is more matches against other players on the Star tables, if I can get that under my belt then my consistency will improve, Ill cut out the mistakes and the break-building will come back. White faces Tony Knowles, while Hendry plays Patsy Fagan in the last-16. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to He made a break of 147 in his 1988 Matchroom League match against Stephen Hendry, and won the 1990 International League. I couldnt believe that you could take this drug and it would straighten you up and you could start drinking again.. He also reached the last four of the UK Championship and the Masters, climbing to number 17 in the world. Lee's 12-year-ban, the longest ever handed down in the sport, will run until October 2024. A FORMER top snooker player hopes to raise his game in the Lake District hospitality industry after buying a second hotel and restaurant. WebTwo-time ranking event winner Tony Knowles perhaps remains best known for causing one of the greatest upsets in Crucible history when he defeated Steve Davis 10-1 in the The event was also called the Dubai Masters (1988/1989), Dubai Classic (1989/901994/1995) and Thailand Classic (1995/1996), The event was also called the Professional Players Tournament (1982/831983/1984), The event was also called the Goya Matchroom Trophy (1985/1986), The event was also called the Thailand Masters (1983/19841986/1987 & 1991/1992) and the Asian Open (1989/19901992/1993), The event was also called the British Gold Cup (1979/1980), Yamaha Organs Trophy (1980/1981) and International Masters (1981/19821983/1984), The event was also called the Professional Snooker League (1983/1984) and the Matchroom League (1986/19871991/1992), The event was also called the Canadian Open (1978/19791980/1981), The event was also called the Australian Masters (1979/19801987/1988) and Australian Open (1994/1995). A 2021 BBC2 show, produced by documentary maker Louis Theroux, shows how snooker stars turned to sex, drugs and booze as they struggled to cope with their new-found fame and fortune. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Discover Tony Knowles's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, I had a blast. But fans of the game will remember his legendary match against great Steve Davis in the eighties. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Davis built a lead of 38 points, but Meo recovered to 12 points behind with a break of 26. Standing. McLeod, a 46-year-old, 1,000-1 outsider, trailed 4-0 but fought back to seal what he called "the biggest win of his career" in a match that was extended because of slow play. In the latter, he defeated Davis 97 in the semi-finals, his first victory over Davis in their eleven professional matches against each other. Gray's time at the tournament soon ended as he was thrashed 13-1 by Dominic Dale with a session to spare, scoring just 208 points in their last-16 meeting, a record low for a best-of-25 match. Rd 2. Jimmy admitted that his habit affected his performance. This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's After bombing out of the World Championships in the first round he hit a press officer then stormed into a news Tony Knowles How the sport of snooker turned working class lads into cocaine But he is best remembered for a series of lurid tabloid exclusives, not least the story he sold for 25,000 prior to the 1984 Championships, in which he described These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience the local community. Comments have been closed on this article. He retired from professional play after the 199697 snooker season and became a wrist watch consultant. In the final, Meo led Neal Foulds 31, but the first session finished with the pair level at 33. Knowles became the pin-up boy of snooker in the early 1980s and the club in the early 2000s television comedy, Phoenix Nights, had a room called the 'Tony Knowles Suite' in his honour. Really quite bad and not surprised it got nowhere. Three Lions hero Gary Lineker is among the talking heads on Gods Of Snooker. It usurped it. [3][4] When he was 15 (and White was 13), they were approached by "Dodgy" Bob Davis who arranged money matches for them and became their manager. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, 1st Floor, Chartist Tower, Upper Dock Street, Newport, Wales, NP20 1DW Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |. Movies. World Seniors Snooker Championship LIVE: Watch Lee Walker v This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's The 'Ladies Man' from Bolton obviously hasnt lost his charm. [3] At 17, Meo became the then-youngest person known to have made an unofficial maximum break of 147. Tony Knowles Theres a kind of sadness when you think that way. Fined: Snooker ace Tony Knowles The pair had been in an on-and-off relationship since 2011. I tried smoking it and got completely addicted. When police arrived, Ms Craig was found shaken and with a bruise and scratches on her arm. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. Jimmy White v Tony Knowles - World Seniors Snooker The adrenaline was flowing and I was nervous when I played Jimmy at the Crucible, perhaps because I expected too much. Also learn how He earned most of networth at the age of 68 years old? She said he grabbed the laptop and threw it down before punching her arm and towering over her shouting abusive language. The Legends Cup saw debuts for 10 times world champion Reanne Evans. Fittingly, the man who dominated the game in its golden era won his sixth and final world title in 1989. The draw always provides plenty of intriguing match-ups and the potential for a star name to fall at the first hurdle. Anthony Christian Meo was born on 4 October 1959 in Tooting, London,[1][2] and started playing snooker aged 13. Use has doubled in the last five years, and with young people the numbers are even worse. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused. Former snooker star buys his second place in Bowness He went on to win the UK Junior Championship twice, in 1972 (against Matt Gibson) and in 1974. [7] At the 1978 Canadian Open, he achieved the most notable win of his career to that point by eliminating Alex Higgins in the semi-final, and led 106 in the final against Cliff Thorburn before losing the match 1517. In 1986, Meo was one of five players under Barry Hearn's management (along with Davis, Terry Griffiths, Willie Thorne and Dennis Taylor) who appeared on "Snooker Loopy", a hit single about the game recorded with Chas & Dave. Peter Stringfellow had a club called the Hippodrome and he used to have a champagne bar. This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's CueTracker - Tony Knowles - Snooker Results & Statistics He won the 1989 British Open by defeating Dean Reynolds 136 in the final, and was runner-up to Steve Davis at the 1984 Classic. This page was last edited on 16 April 2023, at 00:36. We had Italia 90 and that transformed things. -. Ramped-up TV coverage made it a dream ticket to fame and fortune, while footie was marred by hooliganism. A year later, spurred by Englands success at Italia 90, football begun the resurgence that led to its dominant position today. contact the editor here. Meo was a frame ahead at 43 and 54, with Foulds then taking the next two frames to lead for the first time in the match at 65. He had a green suit on and hes got a couple of girls on his arms, real rocknroll.. [3] Meo took the British under-19 title in 1978 with a 31 victory against defending champion Ian Williamson in the final. Gray's time at the tournament soon ended as he was thrashed 13-1 by Dominic Dale with a session to spare, scoring just 208 points in their last-16 meeting, a record low for a best-of-25 match. Jimmy and Alex werent alone in their extreme behaviour. His last attempt to qualify for the World Championship in 2009 saw him lose 10-9 against Tony Knowles. But Higgins was also volatile, often having bust-ups with officials, fellow players and even spectators. I remember I had 35,000 in an account and I drained that on crack. He is currently single. His performances in ranking tournaments led to him moving up from 31st place to 14th in the rankings for the following season, during which he won the round-robin 1990 International League by winning four of his five matches, and drawing the other one. We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. It was like the devils dandruff but crack is like sucking the devils d**k. Its evil.