Davis, Joe

Joe Davis, (born April 15, 1901, Whitewell, Derbyshire, Eng.—died July 10, 1978, Hampshire), English billiards and snooker player who was the world snooker champion from 1927 until his retirement in 1946.

During his career Davis scored a total of 689 century breaks and held the world record for a maximum break of 147. He also held the world billiard championship from 1928 to 1933 and the British championship thereafter. Davis confirmed his reputation as the “grand old man” of British snooker when television audiences had an opportunity to admire his finely honed skills and remarkable techniques. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1963.