Snooker great Steve Davis retires from sport aged 58

Snooker great Steve Davis has announced his retirement at the age of 58. Picture: PA

Davis began his career in 1978 and dominated the sport in the 1980s, winning six world titles and was world number one from 1983 to 1990.

He won 28 ranking titles, putting him joint second on the all-time list with Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins.

His last match came on 10 April when he lost against Fergal O’Brien and failed to qualify for this year’s World Championship.

After making his announcement live on the BBC earlier today Davis was granted a lap of honour with the World Championship trophy in front of the Crucible audience – re-enacting a moment he last savoured 27 years ago.

Davis told BBC Sport: “The Fergal O’Brien match was my last and I told Barry Hearn [Davis’ manager] 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 had such a great time in the game. I was lucky to have a hobby as my profession.”

Dennis Taylor, 1985 world champion, paid tribute to ‘benchmark’ Davis.

“It is a sad day because he changed snooker completely. He was the first player to put in six-seven hours’ practice. What an ambassador he has been.”