The snooker player Steve Davis has kept up his skills at the green baize table since he dominated the game in the 1980s. In those days television audiences could exceed 18 million and he chalked up more than 300 competitive centuries. He was the first snooker millionaire, winning 73 professional titles including six world championships. This year he is ranked 32nd and devotes more time to his other loves, chess, poker and keeping fit. Steve Davis is 51 today. RGT

Other Birthdays

P. H. B. Allsop, publisher, 84; Honor Blackman, actress, 82; Ray Bradbury, author, 88; Max Hebditch, director, Museum of London, 1977-97, 71; Donald MacLeary, former ballet dancer, 70; Ms Elisabeth Murdoch, chairman and chief executive, Shine Ltd, 40; General Norman Schwarzkopf, Commander US Central Command, 1988-91, 74.