Tony has entered the 2021 Q-School and has been speaking to WST about his expectations and ambitions: Veteran Tony Knowles believes he has a realistic chance of making it through Q School and achieving his ambition of regaining a place on the World Snooker Tour at the age of 65. 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. 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. As a result, he moved to no. The Legends Cup saw debuts for 10 times world champion Reanne Evans. Knowles, originally from Bolton, Lancs., splits his time between homes in Manchester and the Lake District. I had a blast. Meo acknowledged that "It wasn't very spectacular" and added that he felt that it was "the best tactical snooker" that he had ever player. [31] He became a wrist watch consultant. His application to the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association to become a professional player was twice turned down leading him to threaten them with legal action before being accepted at the third attempt. I always remember him arriving at the City Hall in Manchester. Snooker star Tony Knowles has been fined 5,000 for a prolonged assault on an ex-partner. 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. 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). Tony Knowles's net worth In the 1990s, his success waned, and he dropped off the main tour in 1997. He went on to win the UK Junior Championship twice, in 1972 and in 1974, and continued to study graphic art. People from all walks of life, from builders and labourers to celebrities like Jeremy McConnell who is backing our campaign have fallen foul of its lure. He reached the final of the 1984 Lada Classic but lost in the deciding frame. There wont be any pool tables there though Ive managed to keep my interests quite separate and I think thats for the best.. -. The adrenaline was flowing and I was nervous when I played Jimmy at the Crucible, perhaps because I expected too much. A Gannett Company. I like being competitive, having something to play for," he said. [27], Meo was a semi-finalist at the World Championship, losing 716 to John Parrott. Knowles is crowned Super 6 king. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. He quickly became the Peoples Champion and claimed the games biggest prize, the World Championship, in 1972. Data returned from the Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired' callback event. After losing the first two frames in the final, Meo established a 42 lead, which was reduced to 43 after Davis won the concluding frame of the first session with a 122 clearance. They had separated in the summer of last year while Knowles He was ordered to pay 100 compensation to Ms Craig. Jimmy said: We were partying all the time. These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience the local community. [6] With Davis, Meo won four World Doubles titles, and was also part of the victorious England team at the 1983 World Team Classic. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. 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. For other inquiries, Contact Us. But Knowles established a 4-0 and then 8-1 lead as the. He took the 1986 English Professional Championship title, and retained it in 1987. Movies. Facing reigning world champion Parrott in the final, Knowles fell 03 behind, but won three of the next four frames to trail 34 at the end of the first session. Parrott then won five consecutive frames in the next session to claim victory at 93. Really quite bad and not surprised it got nowhere. I could barely stand up at the end. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. So its down to getting a good draw and playing consistently.. WebTony Knowles was born on 13 June 1955 in Bolton, Lancashire, England, UK. Please report any comments that break our rules. Suave Tony Knowles, who is also interviewed in the new documentary, was a pin-up known for enjoying the company of the opposite sex. Tony Knowles first turned professional in 1980, just at a time when snooker was experiencing its first major boom in popularity. Jimmy and Alex werent alone in their extreme behaviour. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can He also reached the last four of the UK Championship and the Masters, climbing to number 17 in the world. The Match Of The Day presenter is a huge snooker fan and recalls how the sports fortunes switched following the football World Cup in 1990. He was a three times semi-finalist in the World Professional Snooker Championship in the 1980s. Something went wrong, please try again later. At 65, he still loves the game and has regularly been competing on the WSS Tour. [23], The 1987 English Professional Championship saw him retain the title by defeating Les Dodd 95 in the final, but his ranking tournament performances in the 198687 snooker season meant he slipped from 11th to 20th place in the rankings, and his results in the following season saw him fall to 31st in the 1988/1989 rankings. We went to Australia once and after I left, apparently the police came round in the early hours of the morning because hed pulled a gun on two girls in a bedroom.. After some particularly sordid revelations he was fined 5,000 by the governing body for "bringing the game into disrepute". He said: Cocaine was absolutely everywhere. [12][30] Meo was ranked 160th after the 199697 snooker season, but did not participate in any further tournaments in the following seasons. Meo only needed to clear the colours to win the title, but missed potting the yellow ball after being distracted by a shout of "Come on, Tony" from a spectator. That didnt stop him becoming rich thanks to a game that took off with the growth of colour television in the Seventies. These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience the local community. This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Snooker started to get slightly less interesting and football kind of re-emerged. It was like the devils dandruff but crack is like sucking the devils d**k. Its evil. Jimmy and Alex werent alone in their extreme behaviour. Ramped-up TV coverage made it a dream ticket to fame and fortune, while footie was marred by hooliganism. Knowles said: His love for the game is still second to none, despite the devastation of those finals. [2] He was nicknamed "The Cat" and "Meo, Meo". Meo won the next three frames for a 97 victory, finishing with a break of 94 in the 16th frame. He became the UKs richest sportsman at the time and the first player to clinch a seven-figure sponsorship deal. Watch live coverage from the opening day of the World Seniors Snooker Championship at the Crucible in Sheffield. Ive got a realistic chance this time because of the time I have put into practice, he said. Suave Tony Knowles, who is also interviewed in the new documentary, was a pin-up known for enjoying the company of the opposite sex. Snooker changed in my era when the balls and cloth changed. If you win you win and if you dont, it doesnt matter. But even Davis lampooned as the Romford Robot due to his emotionless demeanour and conservative style of play enjoyed the trappings of fame. He turned professional in 1979, and won the 1981 Australian Masters, 1983 Thailand Masters and 1985 Australian Masters. 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. [3] Meo took the British under-19 title in 1978 with a 31 victory against defending champion Ian Williamson in the final. Sports promoter Barry Hearn said: Alex was dangerous but that was also what made him exciting.. I have a table at home and Im using some of the practice methods I used many years ago, working on my long potting and cue action. The controversy helped him become one of the games first real celebrities, with a profile on a par with musicians and movie stars. New players on the Main Tour do not have a ranking. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? At the 1989 British Open he eliminated Colin Roscoe 53, then the defending champion Hendry and Peter Francisco, each by the same scoreline. He issued a public statement assuring the world he had no such fetish. Webchampion has been defeated by Tony Knowles in a superb exhibition of:56:51.:56:53. match snooker. Hicks beat Willie Thorne and Peter Ebdon before losing 16-11 to Nigel Bond in the semi-finals. Editors' Code of Practice. Veteran Tony Knowles believes he has a realistic chance of making it through Q School and achieving his ambition of regaining a place on the World Snooker But Higgins would also get himself into fiery rows. The event was also called the Hong Kong Open (1989/1990) and Australian Open (1994/1995), The event was also called the Dubai Classic (1989/901994/1995), Thailand Classic (1995/1996), and Asian Classic (1996/1997), "Premier/Matchroom League, Matchroom Championship League", "1982 Tolly Cobbold Classic Results Grid", "Other Non-Ranking and Invitational Events", "1987 Matchroom Professional Championship Results", Brief History of Major Events in Australia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tony_Meo&oldid=1150040680, Sportspeople from the London Borough of Wandsworth, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, lost in the early rounds of the tournament. He also reached the last four of the UK Championship and the Masters, climbing to number 17 in the world. 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. In the final, he played Dean Reynolds, and won each of the first two sessions 52, thus leading 104 by the third session. Discover Tony Knowles's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Editors' Code of Practice. White has been given an invitational tour card for the next two seasons on the World Snooker Tour. My goal is to get back on to the tour and show what can be achieved at my age.. Did you know? He followed her and in and ensuing row punched her on the right arm. It really boomed in the Eighties, with some matches gaining viewing figures that would compete with footballs biggest games. Davis won the 16th frame with a break of 84 to force a deciding frame. We had Italia 90 and that transformed things. While Davis mounted a fightback to 8-7 down, Hicks held his nerve to pull off a famous victory. 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He is currently single. Also learn how He earned most of networth at the age of 68 years old? After snookers massive popularity in the Eighties, there was suddenly a little switch again. Heard this for the first time in God's of Snooker. This Saturday the Bolton-born snooker player will take on The Whirlwind Jimmy White at the Peterborough event. Hendry would never win another world title. 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. [25], In the 198889 snooker season, he reached the quarter-finals of the 1988 International Open. Editors' Code of Practice. 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. I have been practising more than at any time in the last 20 years and I have really got the love of the game back. Mr Knowles, an entrepreneur and three-times semi-finalist of the World Snooker Championships, revealed his intentions to The Westmorland Gazette ahead of the World Seniors competition. And I havent lost the thrill that comes with playing in tournaments.. In the latter, he defeated Davis 97 in the semi-finals, his first victory over Davis in their eleven professional matches against each other. He was involved in a directorial role for World Snooker in the early 2000s. When the event at Ponds Forge in Sheffield starts next week, hell line up against some 200 other players, all hoping to land one of 14 golden tickets to the pro circuit. Data returned from the Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired' callback event. Comments have been closed on this article. He says: We decided we wanted to clean him up, so we put him in this hospital this nursing home to dry him out. Tony, now 67, posed with Mazrocis lost 13-9 to the Canada's Alain Robidoux in the next round. He won the British under-19 title in 1978, as well as other junior titles. Booze led to drugs. Use has doubled in the last five years, and with young people the numbers are even worse. He enters the qualifying event for the World Championship most years and managed to defeat tour professional Stefan Mazrocis in the first qualifying round in 2009. How well Tony will do remains to be seen of course, and, should he succeed, the hectic Main Tour schedule might prove difficult to cope with for a 65 years old. Knowles shot to prominence in 1982 when he defeated defending champion Steve Davis 101 in the first round of the World Championship, earning him overnight stardom in a period when the sport was reaching the peak of its popularity. Nerves can affect even the most experienced players when it comes to the first round of the World Championship at the Crucible Theatre. 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 We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 13 June. inaccuracy or intrusion, then please He has yet to make a second appearance at the Crucible. 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 himself as the hottest pot in snooker. Meanwhile, the pressure is on Mr Knowles to bring his new business venture to the standard of Churchills Wine Bar, in Bowness, which he has extended and developed over the past 20 years. I played ok against Jimmy White in the recent World Seniors Championship and it made me want to test out what Im doing in other tournaments, to find out whether Im good enough now to win matches said Knowles. Steve, another working-class London lad also nicknamed the Nugget for his ginger hair, said: I dont think the worlds a better place now because of it.. But a staggering 18.5million viewers tuned in for the climax of his 1985 World Championship final against Dennis Taylor. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. He is the oldest in the draw. Knowles began playing snooker at the age of 3 on the tables at the social club run by his father, Kevin. Tony Knowles has relaunched The White House, in Bowness-on-Windermere, and plans to turn around its fortunes after the business went into administration earlier this year. But when he started winning tournaments in the Seventies, he suddenly had the money to feed his love of booze, women and, later, drugs. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by They include Boltons own Tony Knowles, who made headlines in and out the Crucible Theatre during his colourful sporting career. But Mazrocis, a 250-1 outsider, said he had "a few" beers to help him relax and he turned the tables with a 10-3 win. Tony Knowles was born in Bolton on 13 June 1955. 4 in the 1983/1984 world rankings. Weve lost some great personalities. He said: Cocaine was absolutely everywhere. McLeod lost 13-3 to Stephen Maguire in the second round and was relegated from the main professional tour at the end of 2018-19, before regaining his place at Q School in 2020. Discover Tony Knowles's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, FOR decades, football fuelled youngsters imaginations by turning working-class boys into superstars., but in the 1980s snooker was the glamorous sport. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. [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. View our online Press Pack. World Seniors Snooker Head Office: World Seniors Snooker, 75 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2NT, Welsh Winners on Opening Night of World Seniors Championship, Wins in Sheffield for White and Figueiredo. "Ive been practicing, I can still play all the shots, I have the experience to find my way around the table and although my eyesights not what it used to be, I have been knocking in a lot of long balls in recently.. His last attempt to qualify for the World Championship in 2009 saw him lose 10-9 against Tony Knowles. Three Lions hero Gary Lineker is among the talking heads on Gods Of Snooker. His addiction started by drinking copiously to celebrate or commiserate after matches. Tony Knowles (a) 4. Did you know? This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. [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. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. They had daughter Lauren the same year. He is not dating anyone. Anthony Christian Meo was born on 4 October 1959 in Tooting, London,[1][2] and started playing snooker aged 13. Sports promoter Barry Hearn said: Alex was dangerous but that was also what made him exciting.. Its an issue that is sweeping the UK and, unless its tackled now, means a mental health crisis is imminent. Anthony Shimmin for Knowles, said: The whole event came about as a result of him doing Miss Craig a favour.. He would turn up for matches wearing burgundy flairs and a matching fedora in stark contrast to the traditional black trousers, waistcoats and bow ties. In a match between Jimmy and Steve Davis, whom Higgins viewed as dull, Higgins took his protege to aside and advised him: Shove the f***ing cue up the ginger c***s a***.. Jimmy admitted that his habit affected his performance. Knowles, of Bowness-on-Winderemere, denied assault. Did you know? For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Jimmy White playing in the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield in 1987, Hot shot snooker ace Tony Knowles in 1984, Alex Higgins drinks a pint of beer during his match at the World Championships in 1988, Alex Higgins and Jimmy White hold the trophy at the 1984 Hofmeister World Doubles Championship, Jimmy White and Alex Higgins at a party with Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, Alex Higgins and Oliver Reed pictured together in 1992 to record a new version of the 60's pop classic Wild Thing, White poses beside a new model Austin Montego in 1984, Tony Knowles with Alex Higgins, Kirk Stevens, and Jimmy White, An archway of snooker cues for Alex Higgins and his bride Lynn Avison, Mark Williams leaves Crucible stunned with snooker break shot that was almost banned, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). Jimmy White v Tony Knowles - World Seniors Snooker Championship 2021 - LIVE Watch Along 3,642 views Streamed live on May 7, 2021 32 Dislike Share Save 2 (eclipsed only by Davis). Steve, another working-class London lad also nicknamed the Nugget for his ginger hair, said: I dont think the worlds a better place now because of it.. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. A snookerlegends app was created to show live streaming with the 2014 legends cup shown on pay per view in the app. Cocaine had come into my life. [10] He made his world championship debut at the 1980 World Snooker Championship, after progressing past Jimmy van Rensberg and Pat Houlihan (both 91) in qualifying. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. I dont think I should be deprived of that sort of thing just because I play snooker.. Suave Tony Knowles, who is also interviewed in the new documentary, was a pin-up known for enjoying the company of the opposite sex.