Joe Johnson had shown great promise as an amateur, reaching the 1979 World Amateur Championship final before losing to Welshman Cliff Wilson. But he struggled to make a big impact at the professional level in the early stages of his career and arrived at the 1986 World Championship without a title, or a indeed a solitary win at the Crucible under his belt.
He got over that latter hurdle with a victory over Dave Martin in the first round and followed it up by beating fellow Eurosport commentator Mike Hallett. An epic 13-12 victory over Terry Griffiths in the quarters set up a semi-final with Tony Knowles, which he won 16-8.
But the biggest test was yet to come. Johnson, who was a 150-1 shot before the tournament started, faced Steve Davis in the final and 'the Nugget' was universally expected to triumph.
However, Johnson shocked the snooker world with an 18-12 victory and the following season proved he was no flash in the pan by again getting to the final of the worlds - where he lost to Davis - while also winning the Scottish Masters
He got over that latter hurdle with a victory over Dave Martin in the first round and followed it up by beating fellow Eurosport commentator Mike Hallett. An epic 13-12 victory over Terry Griffiths in the quarters set up a semi-final with Tony Knowles, which he won 16-8.
But the biggest test was yet to come. Johnson, who was a 150-1 shot before the tournament started, faced Steve Davis in the final and 'the Nugget' was universally expected to triumph.
However, Johnson shocked the snooker world with an 18-12 victory and the following season proved he was no flash in the pan by again getting to the final of the worlds - where he lost to Davis - while also winning the Scottish Masters
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