John Pulman

Born in Devon in 1923, tall, bespectacled John Pulman (pictured right) became the youngest English amateur champion, at that time, when he won the title in 1946.

Pulman was at his best during snooker’s years of decline in the late 1950s and early 1960s and so was never able to fully capitalise on his ability. Nevertheless he was one of the greats of that post war era.

He entered the world championship for the first time in 1947 but lost in the qualifying round, coincidentally to Albert Brown whom he had beaten to win the English amateur title the previous year.

He lost to Fred Davis in the 1955 and 1956 World Championship finals but eventually won the event in 1957. There were no championships for the next few years but when the event was revived in 1964 it was on a challenge basis. Between 1964 and 1968, Pulman brought his tally of titles to seven before it reverted to knock-out format in 1969.

The man from Devon did reach one more final in 1970 only to lose to Ray Reardon. His last appearance at the Crucible was in 1980 when he lost in the first round.

He retired in 1982 following an accident but continued to be involved in the game as a TV commentator.

Pulman died on Christmas Day 1998 after injuries sustained falling down stairs.