Snooker legends on cue

Former world number one Steve Davis was right on cue with a trip to help Walsall Golf Club celebrate its centenary year.

And dozens of fans crammed into the new Brierley Hill Snooker Centre, in the Moor Centre, Moor Street, to watch Jimmy White give a masterclass in potting.

At Walsall, Steve enjoyed a meal and took part in a number of games against members of the club, which is based off the Broadway, in a purposely-erected marquee.

His visit last night was arranged by golf club member John Pace, who used to own Masters Snooker Hall in the town, and the 100 year celebrations will continue with a ball on Saturday.

Club captain Roger Smith said all 160 tickets had been sold for the evening with the snooker player who had entertained everyone with his trick shots. He said: "It is quite an achievement to reach 100 years and it was a really good evening. We were delighted to have Steve with us and everyone was very excited about it."

Steve added: "I was pleased to come along to this event to mark the centenary year and I wish everybody at the club well."

Meanwhile Jimmy, nicknamed the Whirlwind, was right on cue to to declare the recently-refurbished Brierley Hill Snooker Centre open before taking on local players at snooker and pool.

The club, which replaced the old Rileys snooker hall which used to stand on the site, has been open to members for a couple of months but last night was its official opening.

Jimmy played eight players, including 13-year-old Luke Garland, from Brierley Hill, before meeting and greeting his fans and signing autographs.

He is still one of the most popular players in the world after building up a huge following during his unsuccessful 15-year quest to win the world championship.

Centre owner Daryl Garland described the night as a "fantastic" success. "People have been looking forward to him coming to Brierley Hill for weeks."