Whats next for Steve Davis ?

[dannyd0g]

Now he has fulfilled his stated aim of surviving in the the top 16 until he is 50 years old, what does everyone think his next snooker goal will be ?

About 4 or 5 seasons ago when he was on a bit of a downward spiral, he declared he would keep playing until his ranking became higher than his age. As his fortunes improved that goal became too easy, so he upped it to top 16 survival at 50. Might he now lower his sights back to the softer goal of age vs ranking ?

Many people feel that this season will be his last in the top 16. He seems to be loosing his hunger a bit. I say this mainly because he apparently couldnt be bothered with the China tournament last year, as it would take up too much of his time to go out there early and prepare properly. His arriving one day before the tournament begins doesnt seem like someone desperate for ranking points.

Also the competition for top 16 places seems stronger than ever at the moment. There must be at least 25-30 players worthy of a top 16 places.

Surely Steve will be asked what his next goal is. It will be "very interesting" to hear what he says.

[footygirl]

Even if Steve does retire at the end of the season, he'll still be involved in snooker-carving out a sideline as a presenter/commentator . He'll be inundated with TV work, and not to mention two teenage sons to think about

[dannyd0g]

Even if Steve does retire at the end of the season, he'll still be involved in snooker-carving out a sideline as a presenter/commentator . He'll be inundated with TV work, and not to mention two teenage sons to think about

Damn, i didnt think of putting "retire at the end of this season if he looses top 16 place" as an option. Thats a very possible one too. I would never imagine he'd retire if he kept his place though.

[footygirl]

Amazing to think he's 50 in a few weeks-he doesn't look it at all. He'll be a fixture on TV. I personally think he may do Strictly Come Dancing this year

[davis_greatest]

At the end of this season, he will definitely be coming back to play next season. I can't see him deciding not to bother coming back to defend his World Title.

[hegeland]

Well obviously for this season his main ambition must be to hang on to the top 16 for another year. I doubt he'll manage to do so though, as he doesn't seem to be too bothered to practise like the other top 16 (or 32 for that matters) players.

I don't think he'll retire either, I think he'll keep on playing for at least a few more years until he has convinced himself and the rest of the world that the days when he could get to quarters and even semis are definitely gone for good.

[davis_greatest]

Haha, hege! The problem is that it will be hard to convince the world that the days of getting to quarters and semis are gone when one keeps winning the world title over and over again.

[austrian_girl]

Let's not lose ground! It would take a giant to pull your feet back to reality.

I agree with hege that Steve's ambition has to be to stay in the top 16 for another year. I don't think it's impossible but it's certainly difficult. Best of luck to him, though!

As for retiring, I can only hope that he will play on for at least another 5 years. Would be a shame if he packed his cue in! I think it's definitely possible/realistic that he'll continue for a few more years. Even if he drops out of the top 16, he would surely stay on the Tour for a little while longer (though Jimmy White is about to prove how fast it can happen). Can't see him go for retirement in the next couple years. *fingers crossed*

[Miss Walker]

I opted for "to keep his ranking lower than his age" (which is a wonderfully phrased option, btw ) simply because it comes closest to my opinion that - from the looks of him - he'll continue to compete professionally as long as he is enjoying himself.

And I do mean enjoying it. He's looked so, well, relaxed and boyish - is that the correct word I wonder? - over the last tournaments (apart from this year's World Championship appearance I think), as in "I've really got nothing to lose". I sincerely hope I will one day convey this attitude of "come what may".

Don't get me wrong, he's got the competitivness in him and it shows sometimes, but I think that after decades in the sport and after having achieved it all, really, the only goal one could possibly have is to enjoy it. And maybe staying in the top 16 longer than Hendry might, though we of course don't know yet how he'll fare...

Am I talking any sense?

[Scissors61]

I thought I read in the latest snooker scene that he wanted to still be in the 32 when he's 55. On that basis, I think he's trying to keep his ranking lower than his age. Maybe if he practised like he used to, he'd be able to move up the rankings again. I personally thought there were worse quality matches at the world championship than his. He is pretty special, it seems all the rest of the older players are slipping off the tour slowly(or in Jimmy's case, sadly rather quickly). I'd love to see him get that hunger back again. I know it sounds stupid, but maybe if he really dedicates himself, he can become a threat at tournaments again and possibly even win a couple. It would be great to see the legend playing like the old days.

[elvaago]

If Steve starts practicing again like he used to, he could be in the top 16 again for a few more years. With such talent and experience, it should be possible.

But he isn't practicing like he should be and I think he'll struggle from now on.

[Ekphantos]

But he isn't practicing like he should be

Definitely, but then, I sort of understand him. Practising is probably the most boring part of a snooker player's life and he has a lot of other things to do with all his BBC work, so I guess he just can't be bothered. I'd like to see him in the top 16 next year, but it all depends on how much HE wants it. At the moment it seems that he doesn't really care and rather wants to have a good time.

[MrRottweiler]

I've never really been a fan of Steve in the commentry box but I think he is excellent in the studio. When he hangs up his cue I hope to see more of him in the studio and getting involved in events to promote the game.

I forget who said the following (I think it was Ray Reardon) but in Steve's early days someone was quoted saying:

"He'll be there or thereabouts for as long as he wants to be" Very accurate!

[Ellena]

To stay in top 16 - i voted for that - tho , i have to join Hege in what he said : i doubt he'll achieve this goal at the end of the 2007/2008 season. Talent and experience Steve has plenty but i dont think that's enough to stay in top and Jimmy is a good example.
Steve did his bit for snooker , i dont think he still has the hunger , the will to battle for the top places with the young ambitious players like Ding , Robertson and others. I wish him best of luck anyway!
On the other hand , i also doubt he'll retire at the end of the season , in fact i think we'll see him playing for a few more seasons, not for the results' sake just cause he enjoys playing the game and the public wants him there.

[Blondie]

Hey Dan,

..........interesting thread and comments, and I think Steve has done really well to keep his top 16 place, and with his 50th birthday coming up as well in a few weeks' time, amazing really. And to an extent, if he's feeling very confident and really happy with his game as the season progresses, who knows, he may even say that his next longer-term ambition will be to try and keep in the top 16 until say 55, or the top 32 even.
I always think as well that the 80's were undoubtedly Steve's most successful period, snooker's world no. 1 for seven years, and reaching 8 world finals. And even though he has not won a major title since 1997, Steve still continues to keep his top 16 place, and reaching Q-Fs, and S-Fs, and I'd like to think as well that he will go on playing for a good few years yet.

For the season ahead though, he may have his work cut out for him as competition for top 16 places is getting tougher and tougher, but maybe this could be the incentive that he needs, which may help bring a little bit more hunger into his game as the season progresses.

And Steve is such a good ambassador for the game, and very well respected amongst the players and fans, and it could be that longer-term in the future he decides to do more tv work as well, whether it be working as a studio analyst for the BBC at the wc's, or commentating at some other tourneys, or maybe just some general presenting work, as he does this well. And he has quite an extensive knowledge and history of the game too.

And for the future, I'd like to think that as long as Steve continues to really enjoy his game as well, and can achieve his goals and ambitions, he will be around for a good while yet.

Lol.....xx