Former world champion Dennis Taylor can’t wait to get the boys on the baize as he joins two other of snooker greats in Motherwell next week.
Seven-times world champ Stephen Hendry will take on arch rival Jimmy White with the legendary Taylor chalking up the scores before a Q&A at Motherwell Concert Hall on Tuesday night.
Speaking exclusively to Lanarkshire Live, Dennis said: “Myself, Steve Davis and John Virgo are doing 15 dates down south so it’s great to be back up in Scotland and you can’t ask for two better players than Jimmy and Stephen.
“I remember coming up to Motherwell for the Regal Masters back in the 90s and it’s a fantastic venue.
“I will be starting things off with a few trick shots before Stephen and Jimmy play their match then we will be taking a few questions from the audience.”
Dennis fondly recalled his early days as a professional travelling across Scotland on the exhibition circuit in the days before a huge number of tournaments where launched for players.
That soon changed in the 1980s with Dennis winning both the Grand Prix and the Masters.
Of course the Irishman’s career culminated in the famous Black Ball world final against Steve Davis in 1985.
And despite his world title win being almost 40 years ago, it’s still what Dennis is asked about more than anything at Q&A events.
“It’s always enjoyable for me, although I’m not sure about Steve,” joked Dennis.
“He dominated the sport in the 80s in the same way Stephen dominated in the 90s but is asked about a final that he lost.
“However, he handles it so well and whenever we are doing exhibitions we always end up recreating that final black.
“Back in the 70s when I had just turned professional we were up in Scotland regularly on the circuit and at the holiday camps making a living. That’s where we made our money.
“So we had our serious side when we were playing in tournaments but we had to come out of our shell when we were doing the exhibitions.
“That’s where the game got all of our characters.”
Tickets are still available for the event, priced at £40 and £35. Log onto https://culturenl.co.uk/an-evening-of-snooker-greats/
**Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did yo u know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head over to our page to give us a like and share.
