Snooker legends right on cue in Telford

There were tales, trickery and talent on show in Telford as four snooker legends rolled into town.

Jimmy White, Dennis Taylor, Cliff Thorburn and John Parrott played for the Snooker Legends cup last night at The Place @ Oakengates, while John Virgo wowed the crowd with trick shots and impressions.

The four ex-professionals played two semi-finals before the losers took on two lucky members of the crowd. The final consisted of a one-frame shootout for the Snooker Legends Cup.

Cliff Thorburn, the first player to make a maximum 147 at the World Championships, said: "We are all having a great time on the tour and it's no different here, we're all like one big family. It's really enjoyable for us all and it's light-hearted but still competitive."

There were three world champions on show, in Taylor, Thorburn and Parrott, along with Jimmy White, dubbed The People's Champion after losing six world finals.

Fans who paid for VIP packages also had the chance for a meet and greet before the show started, with many having pictures with their idols and getting memorabilia signed. The night was started off by Virgo, while tour referee Michaela Tabb oversaw the proceedings.

The event was well supported by snooker fans, who have been missing out on their live snooker action in Telford since the UK Championship was moved to York last year.

"It's great to be able to start off quickly in this best-of-three format and that sometimes doesn't bode too well for players like myself," added Thorburn, nicknamed The Grinder due to his slow play.