News
August 26, 2025
World snooker champion visits Langley seniors centre
Cliff Thorburn was first Canadian to win world championship
Langley seniors centre was recently graced by a visit from none other than Cliff Thorburn, the legendary Canadian snooker champion. The visit, which took place last week, brought smiles and a touch of sporting history to the local community. Thorburn, known affectionately as "The Grinder" for his tenacious playing style, spent the afternoon chatting with residents, sharing stories from his illustrious career, and even offering a few tips to budding snooker enthusiasts.
For many at the centre, Thorburn's visit was a trip down memory lane, recalling the excitement and national pride that swept Canada when he clinched the World Snooker Championship in 1980. He became the first Canadian, and indeed the first player from outside the United Kingdom, to achieve this prestigious feat. His victory resonated deeply, inspiring a generation of Canadian snooker players and cementing his place in sporting history.
"It was wonderful to meet him," said Margaret, a resident at the centre and a keen snooker fan. "I remember watching him play on TV back in the day. He was such an inspiration." Others echoed her sentiments, praising Thorburn's down-to-earth nature and willingness to connect with his fans.
During his visit, Thorburn spoke about the dedication and perseverance required to reach the top of his game. He emphasized the importance of practice, strategy, and mental fortitude in snooker, drawing parallels to the challenges and triumphs faced in everyday life. He also fielded questions from the audience, ranging from his most memorable matches to his thoughts on the current state of the sport.
The visit culminated in an impromptu exhibition, with Thorburn demonstrating some of his signature shots on the centre's snooker table. Residents were captivated by his skill and precision, applauding enthusiastically after each expertly executed pot. The event served as a reminder of the enduring power of sport to bring people together and create lasting memories. It was a particularly special day for the Langley seniors centre, providing a unique opportunity to meet a true Canadian sporting icon.
For many at the centre, Thorburn's visit was a trip down memory lane, recalling the excitement and national pride that swept Canada when he clinched the World Snooker Championship in 1980. He became the first Canadian, and indeed the first player from outside the United Kingdom, to achieve this prestigious feat. His victory resonated deeply, inspiring a generation of Canadian snooker players and cementing his place in sporting history.
"It was wonderful to meet him," said Margaret, a resident at the centre and a keen snooker fan. "I remember watching him play on TV back in the day. He was such an inspiration." Others echoed her sentiments, praising Thorburn's down-to-earth nature and willingness to connect with his fans.
During his visit, Thorburn spoke about the dedication and perseverance required to reach the top of his game. He emphasized the importance of practice, strategy, and mental fortitude in snooker, drawing parallels to the challenges and triumphs faced in everyday life. He also fielded questions from the audience, ranging from his most memorable matches to his thoughts on the current state of the sport.
The visit culminated in an impromptu exhibition, with Thorburn demonstrating some of his signature shots on the centre's snooker table. Residents were captivated by his skill and precision, applauding enthusiastically after each expertly executed pot. The event served as a reminder of the enduring power of sport to bring people together and create lasting memories. It was a particularly special day for the Langley seniors centre, providing a unique opportunity to meet a true Canadian sporting icon.
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