John Pulman

John Pulman (December 12, 1923 - December 25, 1998) was an English professional snooker player who dominated the game throughout the 1960s.

Pulman first reached the final of the World Matchplay in 1955, losing to Fred Davis. Davis beat him again in the 1956 final, but after Davis retired Pulman won the title in 1957. That was to be the last World Matchplay. In 1964 the World Championship was resumed and Pulman won the title. He held the title until 1969 fending off six further challenges. In 1969 the World Championship became a knockout tournament (which is generally regarded as the birth of the modern snooker era) and Pulman failed to defend his title. He reached the final in 1970 but lost to Ray Reardon.

Pulman retired from professional play in 1982. He became a commentator for ITV alongside David Taylor, Mark Wildman, Ray Edmonds and Jim Meadowcroft. Pulman died in 1998 following a fall at home.

Tournament wins

*World Snooker Championship - 1964 (twice), 1965 (three times), 1966, 1968
* World Matchplay - 1957