About the Item
On offer here is a signed photo of Willie Thorne.
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William Joseph "Willie" Thorne (born 4 March 1954 in Leicester, England), is a former English professional snooker player and now a sports commentator.
Thorne became national under-16 champion at snooker in 1970. He never really converted this early promise into professional success, however, only ever winning one ranking snooker tournament (the Classic in 1985).
The same year, he reached the UK Championship final against the then dominant Steve Davis, and seemed to have built himself an unassailable 13–8 lead.
But a miss on a straightforward blue off its spot during the first frame of the final session allowed Davis to take the frame and eventually win the title.
Thorne later said that he had hardly looked at the blue, considering it a certainty. He reached the quarter-finals of the World Snooker Championship in 1982 and 1986.
Thorne's bald head makes him instantly recognisable and he is often referred to as the "Homer Simpson of Snooker", and he has become a popular senior character in the game,
commentating on snooker for television on the BBC and Sky Sports.
Alongside other Matchroom professionals, Thorne featured in the popular song "Snooker Loopy", written and performed by Chas & Dave.
In the verse which begins "Willie Thorne, his hair's all gone", Willie's cameo line was "Perhaps I ought to chalk it", in reference to his gleaming head putting off his opponents.
Willie also appeared in the "Romford Rap" video with the rest of the "Matchroom Mob".
He is often known as "Mr. Maximum" because he claims to have hit nearly two-hundred 147 breaks in practice,[citation needed] though only one in tournament play.
Thorne provided a segment on break building for the BBC during the 1999 championships where he was shown on a practice table performing a 147 whilst advising on positioning.
However the BBC immediately outlined that the footage was edited as Thorne had in fact missed a pot on the black early on.
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The signature is an original and authentic autograph given by the person listed above.
This item was obtained, in person, by us or on our behalf.
The size of the photograph that has been signed is 12 x 8 inches.
This is a standard size of photograph worldwide so you will easily be able to find a frame or mount for this item if you wish to.
About the Certification
The item comes with a COA (Certificate of Authenticity) from us (Matrix Frames).
We are AFTAL Approved Dealer No. 81
What is AFTAL?
The "Autograph Fair Trade Association Limited" (AFTAL) is a non-profit making body run for the benefit of its members and the general public, with a view to ensuring that the members can be relied upon to be trustworthy and duly qualified to perform their respective duties.
AFTAL are working together with the Police, Trading Standards, and Customs and Revenue officers to monitor and help stamp out the ever-growing problem of non-authentic signed memorabilia being sold and distributed throughout the UK.
About Shipping
Once items have been paid for and funds cleared in our paypal/bank account (depended on method of payment), your item will be swiftly shipped to you.
We will package the item safely and use the appropriate service (listed below) to get your item to you as soon as possible.
Signed photos will be shipped in hard backed envelopes whilst items may be packaged in bags or boxes.
Our chosen shipping company is the Royal Mail who we believe, provide the best service for shipping our products to you.
Terms & Conditions
Please ensure you have read all the details of the auction (above & below) and are happy to proceed before choosing to buy.
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