The former world champion reflects on his unexpected rise and subsequent challenges in the sport
Category: Arts & Culture
Joe Johnson, who became the world snooker champion 40 years ago as a 150-1 outsider, recalls his incredible victory in a recent interview. The now 73-year-old former gas board and factory worker had never won a match at the Crucible prior to that fateful year, yet he triumphed over the formidable Steve Davis in the final, a moment he describes as feeling like "a strange dream." Johnson's story is one of resilience, fame, and the harsh realities of life after glory.
Johnson’s ascent to fame came during a period when snooker captivated the British public, a time he refers to as "snooker loopy." He had previously struggled to make a living as a professional player, often facing challenges that left him doubting his abilities. His victory in 1986 changed his life and marked a turning point in his career, leading him to become the lead singer for an obscure band, Made In Japan, which achieved a hit record shortly after his championship win.
"I was thinking: ‘Is it really me?’" Johnson said, recalling his emotions after defeating Davis. "I couldn’t get my breath because I expected Steve to beat me. He was a different player to the Steve I had always beaten as an amateur. He had already been world champion three times. So when I beat him and won £70,000, which was a huge amount of money then, it really was a beautiful dream." His victory was not just a personal achievement; it also resonated with fans who had followed his arduous path to the top.
Johnson's early career was fraught with difficulties. He turned professional in 1979 at the age of 27 after reaching the World Amateur Championship final in 1978. At that time, there were only two major professional events—the World Championship and the UK Championship. "If you lost early, there was nothing to feed a family," Johnson explained, emphasizing the precariousness of his situation. In 1984, during his Crucible debut, he was defeated 10-1 by Dennis Taylor, a loss compounded by personal tragedy as his mother suffered a heart attack the day before.
In 1985, Johnson faced another setback when he lost to Bill Werbeniuk in the first round of the World Championship, a match notable for Werbeniuk's prodigious drinking. "He hadn’t won a match all year and I beat him comfortably every time in exhibitions before the tournament. Then, in Sheffield, he was a different man," Johnson recalled. Werbeniuk’s victory, achieved under the influence of alcohol, was a bitter pill for Johnson, who was still trying to establish himself.
Johnson's breakthrough came in 1986 when he finally broke his Crucible hoodoo. He won two matches before facing his friend Terry Griffiths in the quarter-finals. "Terry always seemed to have my number and I’d never beaten him. I decided to play him differently and go for everything," Johnson said. This strategy paid off, allowing him to reach the final where he faced Davis once again.
In the final, Johnson's confidence was bolstered by his previous successes against Davis. "Steve didn’t hold any fears for me because I’d beaten him quite heavily as an amateur. I was totally relaxed," he noted. The match was intense, with both players exchanging leads, but Johnson eventually won 18-12, solidifying his place in snooker history.
After his championship win, Johnson experienced a meteoric rise to fame, with his final drawing an audience of 18 million viewers. He described the public's fascination with snooker at the time, saying, "There were only four channels, so people were glued." The sudden attention was overwhelming; he and his wife, Terryl, found it difficult to go out without being recognized. "We couldn’t go anywhere. Not even Tesco," he recalled.
As Johnson looks back on his career, he acknowledges the challenges that followed his initial success. He reached the World Championship final again in 1987, but never won another ranking tournament. Financial difficulties forced him to sell the large house he had purchased after his championship win, and he faced severe health issues, including seven heart attacks and a quadruple bypass surgery.
"I had seven heart attacks, but then I had a quadruple bypass and the surgeon said: ‘If you don’t stop smoking, it’s over.’ I’ve been okay since then," Johnson shared. His health struggles inevitably impacted his professional life, leading to a decline in performance. He lamented the changes in tour rules that affected his standing, stating, "If that happened now, I’d drop off the tour and then, when my ankle’s mended, go back at the same ranking. But my ranking fell and I was knocked off the tour. They changed the rules after that but it was too late for me."
In a recent interview, Johnson also opened up about his mixed-race heritage, having been born Joseph Malik. His father was from Pakistan, and he faced racism growing up in Bradford. "It was tough, especially in infant and junior school, and then in seniors as well. It toughened me up, without a doubt," Johnson said. Yet, he noted that he received respect within the snooker community, stating, "I didn’t endure racism in snooker. It was the opposite because I was so good. People respected my play."
As he continues to work as a commentator for TNT Sports, Johnson reflects on the impact of his championship win on his life. He remains grateful for the opportunities it provided, stating, "I realize how fortunate I was to be world champion. My whole life changed." With his 40th anniversary approaching, Johnson's remarkable story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the resilience required to navigate its highs and lows.