Longest Professional Careers

[Cyril]

Fred Davis surely tops the list with 63 years! (1929-1992)

Others -

Jackie Rea 1947-late 1980's
Rex Williams early 50's to mid-90's
Eddie Charlton 1963-mid 90's
Kingsley Kennerley late 40's to 1980
John Pulman 1947 to early 80's
Joe Davis 1920ish to 1963
Ray Reardon 1968 to early 90's
John Spencer 1968 to early 90's
David Taylor 1969 to mid 90's
Willie Smith 1901 to 1955
Sydney Lee 1936 to mid 70's
Steve Davis 1978 to date

[Mitsuko]

Jimmy White should probably be included ?

1980–current

[Cyril]

I think Dennis Taylor did arund 28 years also, Joe Johnson around 26.

[BigDave]

It would perhaps be even more interesting to note the longest time span between career wins - 63 years is a long career, but was Fred Davis still winning after 60 years? I doubt it!

So can anyone tell me what they think must be the longest span between title wins for a professional player?

Thanks in advance!

[Cyril]

Fred Davis was still winning a few matches in the late 80's, when well into his 70's. He reached his first World Championship semi-final in 1938 and his last in 1978 at the Crucible, a gap of 40 years!

As for titles won, modern day, probably Jimmy White - 23 years between winning the 1981 Langs Scottish Masters and the 2004 Profesional Players Championship.

All time, I would guess Joe Davis - 29 years from his first World title in 1927 and his last title, the News of the World in 1956.

Rex Williams reached his first major final, the 1986 Rothmans Grand Prix, in his 34th season as a pro.

[BigDave]

My goodness, what a wealth of knowledge, thanks for such a comprehensive and fascinating reply!

I imagine Fred Davis's record will NEVER be beaten eh? An AWESOME ACHIEVEMENT. I hope it got recognised and he was rewarded appropriately?

[Cyril]

There are some clever snooker folk on here, BigDave. The Statman and cajt being two notables.

[Mitsuko]

Cyril you are up there to

I'm just a wannabe clever person

[Cyril]

Thank you Mits!

[cajt]

Jack Fitzmaurice was still playing in 2002 at the age of 74! He did not turn pro till 1981 when already 53.

John Dunning turned pro in 1970 and was still on the tour in 1997 age 70.

[BigDave]

Good grief, that's amazing... There's hope that Efren Reyes will go on and on and on then? Good!

[PaulTheSoave]

What about Jiimmy??????????

[Semih_Sayginer]

Jimmy Brown?

[PaulTheSoave]

No. dirty devil! haaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaa

[Mal]

How about Alex Higgins - Professional career started in 1971 winning world champ on debut in 1972.

Qualified for crucible 23 years later. When did he have his final season on tour - maybe 97/98 - which would be about 27 years (minus one for his ban)

Add on his meagre comeback attempts as well...