Forget the last bus, even in a city that prides itself on excellent provision of public transport. When those hardy spectators who witnessed the conclusion of the second round match in 1983 between Terry Griffiths and Cliff Thorburn left the venue, only milk floats were on the road. After all, it was 3.51am.

Thorburn’s 147 break in the opening session – the first at the Crucible - was not the only record established as the Grinder met Griffiths, a stubborn battler of equally limitless patience and tactical shrewdness.

Everything conspired against those who fancied an early night. The final session did not start until 9.15, held up by another defensive hard nut, Eddie Charlton, who was involved in the previous match on table two.

Thorburn led 8-6 and in painstaking fashion moved 12-9 ahead before Griffiths stole two tight frames on the colours and dominated the twenty fourth to force a decider.

Momentum was the Welshman’s ally but Thorburn, who remains the only non-British or Irish player to win the championship – he lifted the trophy in 1980 - held firm to edge through 13-12.

Thorburn’s stamina carried him to subsequent 13-12 and 16-15 wins over Kirk Stevens and Tony Knowles before he succumbed 18-6 to Steve Davis in the final.

Watch the video here.

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