Born in Plumstead, South East London on August 22, 1957, Steve Davis was introduced to snooker at an early age by his late father, Bill, who died in March, 2016, at the age of 89. However, it was after he joined forces with Barry Hearn – nowadays, of course, chairman of World Snooker, but at that time chairman of Lucania Snooker Clubs – as an 18-year-old that he began his rise to prominence. Davis turned professional in September, 1978 and, in 1980, won his maiden professional title in the UK Championship at the Guild Hall, Preston, where he whitewashed Terry Griffiths 9-0 in the semi-final and demolished Alex Higgins 16-6 in the final.

Davis reached the last 16 of the World Championship at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield in 1979 and the quarter-final in 1980, losing 13-11 and 13-9 to Dennis Taylor and Alex, respectively, before winning the first of six world titles in 1981. Notwithstanding a shock 10-1 defeat at the hands of Tony Knowles in the last 32 in 1982, Davis went on to dominate the World Championship, and snooker as a whole, throughout the Eighties. He was world champion again in 1983, 1984, 1987, 1988 and 1989, and runner-up in 1985 and 1986.

Indeed, the final frame of the 1985 World Championship, in which Dennis Taylor potted the crucial final black to beat Davis 18-17, having trailed 8-0 early in the second session of the match, is probably the most famous frame in the history of snooker. The so-called ‘black ball final’ lasted nearly 15 hours, eventually finishing after midnight, and attracted a record 18.5 million television viewers.

Davis also had the distinction of compiling the first televised maximum break, against John Spencer in the quarter-final of the Lada Classic in 1982. He announced his retirement from professional snooker, at the age of 58, in April, 2016, having won 81 professional titles, including 28 ranking titles.

Thomas Sturges Watson, invariably known as Tom, had the distinction of being, officially, the best golfer in the world between 1978 and 1982. Indeed, in 1980, won seven tournaments, including the Open Championship at Muirfield Golf Links, become the first golfer to earn $500,000 in a single season.

All told, Watson won the Open Championship five times, in 1975, 1977, 1982 and 1983. Indeed, he went agonisingly close to winning for a sixth time, at the age of 59, at Turnberry in 2009; he failed to make the par he needed on the seventy-second hole to win and ultimately lost a four-hole playoff to Stewart Cink. The Open Championship aside, Watson also won the Masters twice, in 1977 and 1981, and the US Open once, in 1982. His career total of eight victories in major championship golf places him sixth in the all-time list.

Watson recorded the first of jhis 39 victories on the PGA Tour, the Western Open, now the BMW Championship, in 1974. Although a longer than average hitter, he once said, ‘By learning how to get the ball up and down, you will have mastered the art of scoring your best.’ Indeed, he became renowned for his short game, not least his apparently fearless putting stroke, which enabled him to ‘scramble’ so-called ‘Watson pars’ and manufacture good scores even though not, necessarily, playing at his very best. Ironically, for a player who produced most of his best performances by the seaside, Watson recalled, ‘I didn’t like links golf. I didn’t like St. Andrews at all when I played in ’78 for the first time.’

Milton Harris, who, since 2018, has been based in Sutton Veny, near Warminster, Wiltshire, was first granted a training licence by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) in 2001. However, in the last decade and a half, Harris, 64, has had what might be politely described as an ‘interesting’ relationship with the governing body. The BHA first objected to Harris holding a training licence in late 2009, on the grounds that he was ‘not a fit and proper person’ to do so. Nevertheless, he continued to train under a temporary licence, with conditions, in 2010 and 2011 but, in December 2011, was made subject of a five-year bankruptcy restrictions order.

Reflecting on his bankruptcy, Harris said later, ‘Things had gone wrong with personal and financial relationships and I’d got myself in a few scrapes.’ Whatever the reasons, it was not until 2018 that the licensing committee relented and, once again, granted him a training licence. By his own admission, Harris resumed his training career with just eight horses and just two members of staff but, nonetheless, saddled a career-best 56 winners in 2021/22 and was just one shy of the number in 2022/23.

In the 2023/24 season, so far, he has saddled 33 winners and accrued just over £373,000 in prize money, placing him six in the National Hunt Trainers’ Championship. However, he is unlikely to be adding to that total any time soon because, on November 11, 2023, his training licence was suspended, with immediate effect, by the BHA. Any issue only came to light on November 9, 2023, when two of Harris’ intended runners at Ludlow, Balboa and Giddyupadingdong, were withdrawn, having been deemed, rather mysteriously, as ‘not qualified’ by the BHA. Harris is required to attend a licensing committee meeting in January 2024, to face accusations of ‘a breach of the conditions on his licence and related matters’.

In Norway’s fjords and Tokyo’s streets, sporting legends leave a lasting mark. The world of casino gaming and sports betting in Norway and Japan has found creative ways to honour them. These tributes go beyond just remembering sports history. They add colour to the entertainment scene in these places.

By celebrating these legends, Norwegian and Japanese gaming cultures have made the gaming world richer. Fans get to enjoy unforgettable tributes to their favourite sports heroes. This shows how much sports mean to people around the globe.

Let’s look at how Norwegian casinos and Japanese bookmakers celebrate these legends. They create a special bond between sports and gaming. This shows their love for sports and their creativity in keeping athletes’ legacies alive. From themed casino nights to special betting markets, their tributes highlight the power of sports in gaming.

Norwegian Casinos: A Hub for Honouring Sporting Legends

In Norway, casino venues are key in celebrating sports legends. They are more than just places to gamble. They honour athletes’ contributions, becoming a heart of the sports world.

Special Events and Tournaments

Norwegian casinos often hold special events and sports tournaments for sports icons. Fans get to meet their heroes through signings and photos. Tournaments named after famous athletes show the casinos’ respect for sports greatness.

Tributes and Hall of Fame Initiatives

Many Norwegian casinos also have Hall of Fame areas. These halls tell the stories and achievements of sports legends. By doing this, casinos keep sports history alive and inspire the next generation.

Japanese Bookmakers: Betting with the Legends

The world of Japanese bookmakers is a blend of sports legends and betting excitement. They create betting markets that let fans bet on famous athletes and big games. This makes betting more thrilling and shows respect for sports heroes.

Interactive wagering experiences have become a big part of this. With virtual reality, fans can feel like they’re right there with their favourite athletes. It turns betting into a fun journey, where fans can almost feel the game’s energy.

The betting markets from Japanese bookmakers are varied and creative. You can bet on scores influenced by legends or on big game moments. This offers a wide range of choices for all bettors. It makes betting fun and shows respect for sports.

Top Norwegian Casinos and Japanese Bookmakers Recommended for Sports Enthusiasts

Sports fans looking for the best gambling spots have found their match. We’ve picked the top Norwegian recommended online casinos and Japanese bookmakers for you. These places are known for their great services, sports-themed fun, and lots of betting options.

Why These Casinos Stand Out

In Norway, some casinos really shine. Places like Oslo’s Casino Cosmopol offer more than games. They host sports events and have amazing customer service. Sports fans love the variety of activities and themed games.

Favourite Bookmakers for Sports Fans

In Japan, sports fans often choose William Hill and Bet365. They’re known for good odds, lots of betting options, and special promotions. Their easy-to-use sites and wide range of sports make them top choices for betting.

Immortalising Legends: Cultural Impacts in Norway and Japan

In Norway and Japan, casinos and betting circles show deep respect for sports heroes. This reflects their traditions and cultural values. It’s not just about fame; it’s about honouring those who have made a big impact on national pride.

Through special events and tournaments, Norwegian and Japanese casinos celebrate these heroes. This creates a unique cultural link between sports and gambling. It shows how much these countries value their sports legends.

In Norway, casinos host big tournaments and recognition events. They encourage people to gamble and admire sports icons. Japanese bookmakers also honour sports legends in their betting systems. This shows Japan’s respect for its legends and their lasting impact on sports.

This practice adds meaning to gambling, making it more than just a game. It celebrates achievements and the lasting impact on society. As these traditions grow, they show how culture and entertainment can come together.