Alfie Davies was just one year old when his father Anthony reached the last 16 of the 2002 World Championship, beating Alan McManus at the Crucible before losing to Stephen Hendry.
By Tomos Wyn Jones
Alfie has certainly inherited a talent for snooker and scored his first win in a professional tournament today when he knocked Joe Perry out of the BetVictor Shoot Out. And the 23-year-old from Barry has high hopes of forging a career in the sport.
“I feel great, it’s the biggest win of my life so far,” he said. “I’ve only started playing in the professional events this year as a top Q School top-up. It was a great experience, great crowd, great venue and I loved every minute of it. It was a scrappy frame and I had half a chance towards the end, composed myself and managed to scrape the win.
“My dad has been a massive influence on me. I started playing when I was about seven and he had retired from the pro game by then but he still had a club. He picks up a cue now and he’s such a good player, you can see it. He doesn’t practise but has still got it in him.
“I never got the chance to see him play professionally because I was too young, but he’s a massive inspiration, him and a few others got me into snooker.
Anthony Davies
“My goal is to try to turn professional to get the two-year tour card. Although the amateur game is good, it’s quite difficult balancing that with a few pro events. So I’m trying my best to get on tour, then hopefully get some scalps and enjoy my snooker.
“I’d love a good run here this week, in a format like this anything can happen. I wasn’t expected to beat Joe, but in a ten minute game everyone has a chance. You’ve just got to play the most sensible shot.
“Look at Hossein Vafaei – winning this (in 2022) has done wonders for him. Obviously, he was a great player before, but winning a ranking event has given him more confidence. It’s a great tournament and you’ve got to try and enjoy it as much as possible.”
