Ray Reardon
Born: October 8 1932
Representing : Wales
In 1957, Ray Reardon was nearly killed when he was trapped for three hours after a mining accident. After his lucky escape, he decided to quit the Welsh pits and find employment as a policeman in Stoke. The English Amateur champion in 1964, Ray captured his first World Professional title in 1970 and went on to dominate the decade by winning the World title on another five occasions including a remarkable quartet of successes from 1973-1976. A former president of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, Ray remains a snooker legend and managed to reach the semi-finals of the World Championship in 1985 - at the age of 53! Awarded an MBE for his services to snooker, Ray was a role model for many young players coming into the game in the 1970's and 1980's.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS - winner World Championship (1970, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1978), Pot Black (1969), B&H Masters (1976), Professional Players' Tournament (1982), Yamaha
Cliff Thorburn
Born: January 16 1948
Representing : Canada
Cliff Thorburn will always be remembered for becoming the first overseas player to win the Embassy World Championship in 1980 AND for being the first player to compile a World Championship 147 maximum in 1983. He was also the first player to make TWO 147's, his second maximum coming in the Matchroom League in 1989. Nicknamed "The Grinder" for his steely determination to win, Cliff reached two World finals, claiming the famous trophy in 1980 with an 18-16 victory over Alex Higgins. World No.1 in the 1981/82 season, Cliff enjoyed the unique surroundings of the Wembley Conference Centre for the Benson and Hedges Masters, taking the gold trophy on three occasions in 1983, 1985 and 1986. He also revelled in the World Team Cup as he skippered Canada to victory in 1982 and 1990.