Historic Decider in the Final | Jimmy White vs Cliff Thorburn | 1986 Classic Final

"The atmosphere out there at the moment is completely electric", commentated John Pulman 35 years ago.
Frame 25 (deciding frame): Cliff Thorburn vs Jimmy White, 1986 Classic final.
Jimmy White has already won numerous titles, including the Masters, but hasn't won a ranking title yet. He lost his three ranking finals, the second one to Steve Davis at the Crucible and the last one to Cliff Thorburn only three months earlier.
Things get complicated for Jimmy when a fluke strikes his hopes, as he can only win the title if he achieves a feat no one had previously accomplished in snooker.
ERRATUM: commentator is Rex Williams, not John Spencer (thanks to Keorbats and Steve Coombs for the feedback).
The statistics shown in the video correspond to the date of the match.
Cesar Muroya created a unique editing technique to extract the essence of the game without losing the drama involved. Contextual information is also an innovation appreciated by viewers.
This format is not intended to substitute the full version but rather to make snooker more accessible to new fans. The fluency and atmosphere of the game stay in a shorter length video, allowing even experienced fans to enjoy snooker at any time.
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[@andrefilipe147]

One of the greatest deciding frames in Snooker history, and how nice of you to put a modern graphic for the scores up.

[@CesarMuroya]

You noticed the score bar, thanks! :)

[@johnmc3862]

@@CesarMuroya And the prize money 😉

[@EannaButler]

Pure class from Cesar!

[@elliotbullman4765]

And the suggested positional route from blue to yellow was dreamy. Can´t imagine John Pullman using that kind of newfangled technology back in the day...

[@Wally-H]

That snooker by Jimmy was just brilliant. Honestly, I'd say Cliff would expect to have hit the pink 90% of the time at least but even for 'The Grinder' the pressure on that shot was unbelievable.

[@BunyanaRed1958]

Used to love the Mercantile Credit Classic. It would start just after xmas and new year was over. I watched this Final with my brother. We cheered our heads off when Jimmy got the snooker and then won. Happy times.

[@paulr6881]

Not sure if the Mercantile was played a few times before Xmas or I'm getting muddled up?Can remember Jimmy winning a tournament just before Xmas and the presenter saying it would be a WHITE Xmas obviously meaning Jimmy White.

[@yorkie471x3]

The ITV tournaments used to finish on a Sunday afternoon in the 1980s if I recall correctly. Two sessions of the final Saturday afternoon/evening and then Sunday afternoon.

[@BunyanaRed1958]

@@yorkie471x3 You are spot on Yorkie.

[@BunyanaRed1958]

@@paulr6881 Before Xmas was the Hoffmeister World Doubles Paul. Jimmy won it with the great Alex Higgins. After the Mercantile Classic it was the B&H Masters at the Wembley Conference Centre.

[@sjs260563]

this is why this is the best snooker channel

[@kevanbrown7620]

Jimmy's first ranking tournament win. In 1984 I believe Jimmy was the best player in the world. He won the Masters that year, got to the final of the World Championship and lost 18-14 to the great Steve Davis, but as I remember, if Only Jimmy had played a little more safely, he would have beaten Davis, but to lose 18-14 in the world final to Davis was no disgrace, as the year before Davis had slaughtered Cliff thorbourn 18-5. Jimmy and Alex Higgins also won the world doubles that year. 1984 was a great year for Jimmy, he was so young aswell. I loved watching him, so entertaining. * It was infact 18-16 to Davis in the 1984 world final.

[@RogerJJSmith]

In fact he ran Davis even closer than that in the 1984 world final, he lost 18-16 in the end.

[@kevanbrown7620]

@@RogerJJSmith You're right it was 18-16. Jimmy was an amazing player. He got to the semi finals in 1982 only to be beaten by that unbelievable break by Alex Higgins. If Alex had of missed once in that break Jimmy was in the final and i believe he would of blasted Ray Reardon off the table to claim his first title at 20 years old. If so, we may be looking back on a Jimmy While who won 6-8 world titles now.

[@sharpvidtube]

Jimmy only lost that final to Davis because he had tip problems. Jimmy came back from 2-10. I think he's said losing that final probably saved his life, as all the winnings went on drugs and alcohol😂

[@ianwilliamson2980]

My granny vida loved this .she was a great jimmy white fan.born in 1906 and could remember the great war of 1914 to 18 amazing woman and much missed.

[@XrpCookies]

who does she like these days?

[@ianwilliamson2980]

@@XrpCookies she died in 2003

[@y2kazan868]

Ian Williamson, sir you are everywhere. Rest in peace Grandma.

[@ianwilliamson2980]

@@XrpCookies my guess she would like Ronnie now .

[@markd4462]

Thanks so much for posting this. I remember watching this game on the TV with my late Dad on the Sunday like it was yesterday. Jimmy was my favourite player, whilst I detested the grinder 😂. When Thornburn fluked that green I was nearly in tears.... Still find it hard to believe now that Jimmy got him in that snooker....amazing shot 😁

[@jamesperks5804]

Great upload. Good job putting the score vbanner on permanently and cutting the thinking times between shots! Great decider!! 👍💯

[@dogfightfghxjf7177]

Thanks for making Thorburn look quick..

[@timeverett7828]

I've been fortunate enough to play against Cliff a number of times. But, Never fortunate enough to win against Cliff! Let me say the intimidation factor when playing against Cliff is his biggest advantage. He will grind you into the ground. And never give up.

[@davekemp1927]

Awesome story he came to London ontario for a pro am tournament with kirk Steven's and Jimmy wych in the final match in one of the frames I believe it was cliff ran 147 against wych as I believe it was the final I maybe wrong but the same day it ended and wych came sec after thorburn said it was his 45 147 was an awesome day and what year guessing 89 90 he also came a few years earlier for an exhibition at another pool room when snooker was big in Canada

[@manyvideogames8317]

I want to try some day. Always good to learn from the best of their time, the sleeping legends ..

[@davidjames9014]

Lovely to hear John Pulman, dulcet tones, very calming but so utterly professional

[@Charlie_Crown]

Cliff must be wondering to this day, what the hell happened there. Great memory, and a reminder, even though he lost, what a truly great player and champion Cliff was in his prime, and a glimpse of how careless and glitchy Jimmy could be under pressure, though he got away with it here, yet at the same time thoroughly deserved his first ranking event title, thanks Cesar 👍

[@johnnorris1546]

Cliff Thorburn was my favorite player back in the 80's. Jimmy was my second. Back when Cliff made the first televised 147 it was one of the best TV moments ever! Back then nobody thought it would ever happen, it seemed like a dream.

[@roys3580]

Steve Davis made the first 147 break on TV in 1982 v John Spencer in the Lada cars classic. Cliff's 147 was the first in the World Championship in 1983.

[@davidmellish3295]

Cliff never made the first televised 147,that was Steve Davis who won a Lada Car for his efforts. Cliff made the first ever 147 at the Crucible

[@terrycharnley]

Thanks for posting this, I remember it.

[@CesarMuroya]

You're welcome

[@CaribSurfKing1]

They shared a bottle of lager..Jimmy probably consumed 99% of it! That last snooker and pink pot was all Jimmy!

[@harter517]

Love hearing Pulman and Spencer on commentary. Two of the greatest players ever.

[@94edugodoy94]

I was looking for this match, Thanks for editing and posting

[@jamesfrost7465]

That was incredible! The best Snooker I've ever seen for the final game. So glad I learned the rules to this amazing game this year. Love it!

[@dominicandjuliebusch4913]

Thanks for brushing this up. One of the best frames ever played. Every time i see Jimmy in these old videos though I still see that black missed off the spot in 94

[@jaberoujourney]

Thanks for the upload I was at that final and the final 3 months prior to this one too!

[@messoranger9237]

Thank you for sharing this wonder clip from the 80's :D John Pulman what a great commentator he was , the great man won 8 World titles from 50's to 60's Keep up the great work , clips from the past never gets old :P Old is gold!

[@bradfisher5695]

the pride of Canada !!! Him and John Part did so much for Canadian sport !

[@CK-dd7eq]

Along with Lennox Lewis

[@nicholaso99]

Enjoyed that thanks. Nice quality too :)

[@mddistribution30]

I remember this happened on my birthday, I was 14 and I remember Jimmy getting the snooker on the pink. This was Jimmy's first ranking title, he had won the masters in 84 of course. I went to the afternoon session of that match

[@keorbats9429]

The commentator was Rex Williams, not John Spencer. Great vid as always👍🏻

[@CesarMuroya]

Oops sorry. Thanks for the info, Keorbats!

[@heliumtrophy]

It was Rex Williams who was co-commentating with John Pulman and not John Spencer as was said in the titles. Cracking final frame but rather baffling hearing that Jimmy was penalised a frame for arriving two minutes late.

[@paulr6881]

Never showed a lot of emotion did Jimmy but his face when he missed the yellow 🙈 great win in the end though.

[@growlerthe2nd712]

I watched this live punched the air when he won, I also liked Cliff (the grinder) Thorburn mind numbingly slow but he always played a positive game and was a graceful loser.

[@MrAllwrighty67]

Jimmy White best player never to win a world title - great video that thanks for sharing.

[@eamonndoherty5903]

He came up short every time the poor thing

[@droceretik]

@@eamonndoherty5903 Were you there? It sounds like malicious gossip.

[@eamonndoherty5903]

@@droceretik yes

[@johnmc3862]

@@eamonndoherty5903 He didn’t deserve one is harsh. He was mostly up against the master, he won 10 ranking titles, are you saying he didn’t deserve them ether.

[@eamonndoherty5903]

@@johnmc3862 yes

[@ibrarhussain5906]

I remember Jimmy White leading 7-0 against cliff in the World Match play open and then ended up losing 13-10. Tremendous player was the whirlwind back in say. Sadly his social life outside snooker led to him not becoming world champion which was heartbreaking as a true fan of his 😥

[@Thefella8]

Brilliant video as always

[@zenonbendlin9401]

Esses dois jogadores são de nível médio...

[@georgeschofield6099]

It move me to tears see him win he look like ready to cry when chiff fluke green my heart sank for Jimmy special it was is lst ranking final when got snooker it was out this world with pressure he was on. Jimmy is one of great and embassy to sport . And was very happy for him and is family it was magic see him win. Never be nough Jimmy white thanks for entrainment on edge of my seat . All best to family on great night .

[@droceretik]

Who is Chiff?

[@messoranger9237]

@@droceretik probably got too emotional that explain the typo XD

[@paulr6881]

@@droceretik Chiff Thorburn

[@wormsnake1]

That final snooker was genius. Great final.x

[@just-dl]

I like the commentary on this one. 🤗

[@alangrynich3615]

Jimmy at his best is a joy forever there will never be a better one .

[@CK-dd7eq]

Really? Jimmy shite?

[@alangrynich3615]

@@CK-dd7eq mad

[@VintageForYou]

I remember that match what a classic in the 1980s heyday of snooker.😁👍

[@Mr_b_yorkshire_farmer]

Well done jimmy. Good video that’s for sharing.

[@DaveJMcGarry]

Dickie Davies with the outro. RIP legend

[@johnmc3862]

£45,000 was serious money in 1986.

[@ngocchu8055]

Why jimmy forfeited 8th frame?? U know??

[@rebbeshort]

He was two minutes late arriving for the frame and had to forfeit it.

[@ianwilliamson2980]

That was jimmy's greatest win.

[@stevecoombs203]

Said the voice of John spencer, it’s Rex Williams and John Pullman

[@CesarMuroya]

Yep, my mistake. Thanks for your feedback.

[@Prophet_Google]

🤔 👕👍 *Jimmy late cause of snorting the white stuff?* 😯 👖

[@chembleton]

7:04 why does the referee call 6 for the break, then Cliff pots another red then the referee says 1 and then when he misses the black says Cliff Thorburn, 1.

[@paulr6881]

Yes weird must be the ref under pressure as well as the break was obviously 7.

[@alanmurray5963]

Go on Jimmy White. LEGEND

[@roberttanner7278]

I remember this final it finished around 6 o'clock on a Sunday night it cost me a right few pounds everyone backed Jimmy with me

[@manyvideogames8317]

That shot on the red by Cliff at 7:25 is just too good, esp. for the time I think. Just a little careless I think on the next shot .. I think he should have given more follow and blocked the hanging red behind the 2 reds . but maybe he was taking a risk . what a funny world . everything is right, and everything could go wrong, at these levels , which take a lifetime to achieve even ..

[@joroyle8108]

Beautiful

[@johnmc3862]

White was so talented but careless in equal measure.

[@steviemax147]

Why didn’t Thorburn just roll the pink over or in the left centre pocket? Glad he didn’t though as it cost him the title lol😁

[@RuREnnis]

Which was a closer final? This 1 or Dennis taylor vs Davis?

[@CK-dd7eq]

Well considering Taylor vs Davis was for the world's.. I think that one

[@dan243811]

What was the ref warning Jimmy about after he missed the first long red?

[@droceretik]

This was 36 years ago.

[@williambriggs79]

What was the ref talking to Jimmy about after he missed the first long red?

[@jamesjarrett52]

Asked him for a toot on his crack pipe.

[@colinbradley9551]

I remember it well 😀

[@paulbennett4009]

I think Cliff should have rolled the pink over the corner pocket instead of attempting the middle pocket. I bet he knows this too now

[@elliotbullman4765]

Anyone know the reason why Chimmy was 2 minutes late for the 8th frame?

[@94edugodoy94]

Hey Cesar, Can You review the match between Thepchaiya Un-Nooh vs Igor Figueiredo?

[@CesarMuroya]

I recorded it live but think it has some restrictions of use at the moment. I liked that match too.

[@94edugodoy94]

@@CesarMuroya I think that was the greatest match of brazilians' history in snooker. It was great than the victory against Scotland or Wales.

[@richievellalar3214]

Jimmy White so Handsome!

[@corkion]

wow what a snooker

[@ihatesleep]

Absolutely love these! Thank you!

[@mikes333]

It's like the commentators just expected Cliff Thorburn to give up on every shot that had even the slightest difficulty. Fortunately for viewers, Cliff came to play, not wuss out.

[@KhanG-uo3rw]

Jimmy white fans always made snooker look like a english premiere league match xD

[@ianwatkins6202]

That's also the case with O'Sullivan 😊

[@NIKKYMOTO]

@cesarmuroya which song at the end please

[@CesarMuroya]

It's called "Wish you'd come true" from the YT library.

[@zsuzsu2657]

ВЫСШИЙ ПИЛОТАЖ!!! КАКАЯ ВЫДЕРЖКА.

[@colinmitchell6872]

Super decider but Jimmy was lucky there he played terrible in that frame and Cliff bottled it on the last pink. Definitely not the best decider you will ever see for quality play!

[@danmoody12]

Cliff Thorburn is not primarily a presenter...he is a snooker...an ex-snooker player...and is an unknown quantity

[@JongleurJ10]

Pink right out in the middle of the pocket. I think he meant table.

[@doctorsocrates4413]

This is when snooker was worth watching with the wealth of different characters and personalities..just bots that play it now with stone faces..no individuality anymore.

[@optimo9786]

13 points to 12! :)

[@99estoc99]

45000 in 30years ago... inflation...

[@chrishaswell5957]

Cliffs face when he flukes the green

[@barrymontgomery408]

Jimmy white came close to winning the world snooker championship in 1984. If he hadn't lost the second session it could have been a close and tight contest. In the end Steve won the match 18 frames to 16. Steve was in his prime then his hero was Ray Reardon he learnt a lot from him playing good safety shots and making 80 plus breaks. 0n Jimmy whites gravestone will be the headline greatest player never to have won the world snooker title.

[@lukekelly9616]

The following year Cliff was playing a match against Terry Griffiths. It's just ended! 5-4 Terry.

[@steviemax147]

A final frame where White looked like the loser for 99% of it but ended up winning, nice to see as was always usually the other way around!

[@tonybarfridge4369]

Rushed the final black but still got it 😂

[@Wally-H]

Probably decided not to over-think it as that would have potentially put pressure into the shot. He did the right thing.

[@donnagray9579]

Reds are very green!

[@DBLDoG]

Cliff was the better shot

[@fredblogsmac.5697]

Aye you dont get games like that now..

[@barrymontgomery408]

This tournament was the first time Jimmy had won a ranking title after so many near misses. Alex Higgins is a great player too but it was also disappointing that he didn't win many more snooker tournaments. In the UK championship he came back from 0 7 down to beat Steve Davis 16 frames to 15. That was when finals were really long.

[@timwalker2458]

lovely hair.

[@algolin]

Why was Jimmy late?

[@CK-dd7eq]

Where's his world championship?

[@peterwardle5222]

Is this the only championship ever won by a snooker?

[@CesarMuroya]

It happened in two ranking tournaments. The other is the 1996 British Open.

[@peterwardle5222]

Thanks for that, I'll need to watch.👍

[@wanderer1955]

Jimmy White is now just a fraction of his former great self😟

[@yorkie471x3]

Probably because he's nearly 60 years old!

[@wanderer1955]

@@yorkie471x3 yes but his fans won't acknowledge that they still think he's the Jimmy White of 30 year's ago. Some still think he can win the snooker World Championship. They are living in a dream world. I think Jimmy himself is living in a dream world.

[@kennyverbeke7588]

Yes we still hope 👍

[@johnmc3862]

@@wanderer1955 What a niave comment. Only Jimmy thinks he can still win it. Jimmy isn't the player he was, all his long term fans know that.

[@wanderer1955]

@John Mc WTF are you talking about.

[@alim.4409]

Jimmy’s performance has deteriorated to the bottom.

[@redbebidas2390]

Lenda

[@nufrumos2054]

Jimmy White - in luck

[@albertcross4275]

13 points to 12 indeed, 13 frames to 12 more tike it..... John pullman made a mistake again. 🙄😒😏

[@kennyverbeke7588]

Always drama when jimmy plays

[@fornife5004]

And some people saw JW as a choker.

[@johnp515]

How many matches do you have to choke to become known as a chocker? What if those matches are world finals and not a lesser tournament like this one?

[@fornife5004]

@@johnp515 ... so you argue that he is a choker? Fair enough.

[@SnookerFan-kl1jj]

@@fornife5004 Its not an argument, those 6 finals tell the tale.

[@johnmc3862]

@@SnookerFan-kl1jj He didn't win 10 ranking titles and 30 overall because he was a choker. He was off the rails on drugs and booze and against the most successful player at the crucible ever in Hendry.

[@johnbrennan3615]

Mate I have to say in person you’re even nicer I note I gave you that includes Family I show the really real DUBLIN take care mate 👍 us lefties have to stick together 😂

[@rbrb288]

The most expensive 2 minutes of his life , not according to his ex wife

[@ABF737]

Fluk......

[@billybragg6058]

Not quite a snooker lol.

[@RichardM-kv4uu]

Useless commentators!😄

[@barrymontgomery408]

The mercantile credit classic ranking snooker tournament in 1987 was a classic Steve Davis and Jimmy white were level 12 frames each. In frame 25 Steve was at the table he ran out of position so he snookered the whirlwind he missed it and then Davis ran out the winner. Jimmy white is the most gifted player to entertain crowds during a glittering career but he has got a habit of losing classic matches the snooker pundits know this for a fact.

[@barrymontgomery408]

I'm a fan of Jimmy white it was disappointing that he lost 6 times in the world championship final. Stephen Hendry beat him 4 times then Steve Davis and John Parrott 1 match each. He lost because he's a smoker and drinker he should have concentrated better. Hendry and Davis were robots they knew how to focus and score 80 plus breaks that's how to win tournaments.

[@paulharrison7450]

Exactly how many swing backs did Thorburn need?!

[@barrymontgomery408]

The worst world snooker champions in my opinion are grahamdott and Stuart Bingham they both won the title because Ronnie0sullivan was burnt out.

[@johnmc3862]

Mueh.