World Champions Dinner Held in Sheffield

WPBSA Players staged the second annual World Champions Dinner on Thursday with 11 former Crucible champions in attendance.

The dinner took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Sheffield with an illustrious guestlist that included reigning champion Zhao Xintong, The King of the Crucible’ Stephen Hendry and six-times winner Steve Davis.

Zhao, who begins his title defence on Saturday against Liam Highfield, inspired the three-course menu after making history 12 months ago by becoming the first ever world champion from China.

There was also a toast, led by Ken Doherty, in honour of the late John Virgo and all the departed champions who have helped to shape our sport.

The Champions Dinner is based on the dinner held each year since 1952 at the Augusta National ahead of the Masters Tournament in golf. A unique black velvet ‘Champions Jacket’ designed by McCann Bespoke in London is presented to each of the champions.

Neil Robertson, 2010 world champion said: “It was an awesome evening and a privilege to spend time with legends of the game and hearing their endless stories.”

Shaun Murphy, 2005 world champion said: “It was a great pleasure to attend the second official Champions Dinner and spend time with fellow champions past and present. Especially on a day like today when we gathered earlier in the day to honour our late friend and colleague John Virgo, events like tonight remind us to cherish these special occasions all the more.”