Pots of Gold Interview

·24 min·2 clips

Dave Hendon discusses his new book 'Pots of Gold' with interviewer Phil Yates, revealing untold stories from snooker legends.

This episode features an interview where Phil Yates questions Dave Hendon about his new book 'Pots of Gold: A History of Snooker'. Hendon explains the book covers the first hundred years of professional snooker, from its development under Joe Davis to the boom in the 1980s. He conducted interviews with numerous champions, including Ray Reardon, Steve Davis, Cliff Thorburn, and Barry Hearn. Hendon highlights enjoyable interviews with older players who shared untold stories, such as Reardon's account of being blocked by established pros when turning professional. The discussion explores key figures in snooker's history, with Hendon arguing Steve Davis was most influential for professionalizing the sport. Yates asks about players being booed, leading to a reflection on public psychology favoring underdogs. Hendon describes the book's genesis, linking snooker events to British political moments like Margaret Thatcher's election. He strongly advocates for keeping the World Championship at the Crucible, noting it saved the theatre and defines the tournament. The episode concludes with Hendon mentioning potential controversial stories in the book and his view that snooker lacks sufficient literature.

As heard by us

A thoughtful snooker conversation on Steve Davis, Alex Higgins, dominance, and the crowd's shifting loyalties.

Steve Davis anchors this Snooker Scene Podcast conversation as Dave Hendon and Phil look at how one player becomes a sport's benchmark, then trace that idea into the odd psychology of crowds who boo winners.

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Why you'd press play

Press play for a Steve Davis conversation that turns dominance into a stranger question: why would fans boo someone setting the standard?

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