Dennis Taylor has told the story of his “upside down glasses” which helped him become world snooker champion.
Taylor memorably won the sport’s biggest prize in the famous 1985 World Championship final against Steve Davis.
The match went all the way to a very nervy and dramatic final frame. Its incredible climax was understood to have been watched by more than 18 million people who were captivated by the action.
Taylor’s incredible victory on the final black – from 7-0 down – is one of, if not, the sport’s all-time most famous moment. It happened during the middle of snooker’s “boom” in the 1980s.
But to many, Dennis Taylor is also famous for his appearance. He was one of a very few in the game to wear “upside down” glasses.
The Northern Irishman said in a chat show with Gerry Kelly he had poor eyesight and tried to play with contact lenses. But they just would not work for him.
He then got the help of BBC snooker commentator and professional player Jack Karnehm whose family business was to make spectacles. This link up went on to change Taylor’s life.
“I had pretty poor eyesight”
Taylor said: “I would of never won it (the World Championship) without Jack Karnehm. His family business was making spectacle frames.
“He had a pair like that but he never appeared on television. So I went instead with him and he made those glasses by hand.
“I spent two days with him and they became a gimmick but they were not intended to be. When I used to play in the early days I used to take my glasses off to play. I had pretty poor eyesight so I did well without them.
“But then I got special contact lenses in 1979. I nearly won the World Championship with the contact lenses but I couldn’t get on with them and that’s when I had to switch to the glasses.
“Dear old Jack Karnehm, wherever he is bless him, I would not have been world champion without those big glasses.”
Taylor is still a much loved name on the snooker circuit. He works as a BBC commentator and takes part in exhibitions across the UK.
Main Image: Dennis Taylor in the 1985 World Championship final – BBC/WST
