Dennis Taylor says snooker will remain indebted to Steve Davis following the six-time world champion's decision to bring an end to his competitive career at the age of 58.
Davis made his emotional announcement on Sunday, having fallen short in his quest to qualify for what would have been his 31st appearance at the Crucible Theatre.
And he immediately recalled his famous 1985 black ball final loss to Taylor as the most memorable moment of his glittering career.
Steve Davis announced his retirement from snooker and will go down as one of the game's best ever players.
Steve Davis announced his retirement from snooker and will go down as one of the game's best ever players.
Taylor, 67, who himself retired from playing in 2000, said Davis had done more than anyone to lift the sport to the levels of popularity it still achieves today.
Taylor said: 'Steve dominated the game and raised the game to new heights and new standards, and he is the reason the game is so popular today.
  
'He was a boring sod back in the 1980s but that was only because he kept winning everything. The nation has taken to Steve Davis whereas back then they wanted him to lose.
'Steve says he will remember that black ball final more than the six times he won the World Championship but it is a tribute to the man that he handled that so well.
'Steve and myself were part of snooker history together. I was the lucky one with the big upside-down glasses who potted the black, but snooker was the real winner that night.'
Snooker stars Davis and Taylor get together for the first time since the World Snooker final in 1985
Snooker stars Davis and Taylor get together for the first time since the World Snooker final in 1985
Davis opted to retire after losing to Fergal O'Brien in qualifying this year - the first match he played without his father Bill, who passed away at the end of last month.
Taylor added: 'Steve has done very well to hang in there - he could still play to a very high standard but he hasn't got the will to practice for four or five hours a day, and I think his timing has been immaculate.
'It takes a bit of doing to carry on playing and lose matches to people you know you would have had no problems beating. It is the end of an unbelievable era.'

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