Local hero Mev is right on cue!
2:11pm Wednesday 16th May 2001
A lucky amateur snooker player from Croydon got the chance of a lifetime last Wednesday when he played and beat former World Champion Dennis Taylor in a one-frame challenge at the Fairfield.
Mev Ali, a 32 year-old bar manager from Thornton Heath who plays at Frames Sports Bar, Coulsdon, was chosen by the Guardian to play Taylor in the opening event of the Embassy Snooker spectacular.
Both players made 20 breaks in an exciting frame, but it was Taylor who made a decisive clearance right to the pink but left it over the pocket. Mev potted it, and after a brief exchange sunk a long black to win the game.
He said afterwards: “Because the black was on the side cushion, I think he made it a black ball game, which was nice for me and the crowd.”
But when asked if he left it deliberately Taylor said: “Would I do something like that? No, the crowd always like the excitement of a black ball and he did well to pot a good black. Mev's a good lad, he was good fun.”
Mev was awarded a cue signed by Ronnie O'Sullivan, Jimmy White and Taylor for his efforts, which included a great shot, potting a long brown. He said: “It was a brilliant night, and to be given the cue was a real bonus.”
As a finale to the event Dennis Taylor performed trick-shots and told jokes and tales from the game.