Willie Smith – known around the world as ‘Darlington Smith’ – was born in Taylor Street. His father was landlord of the Golden Cock in Tubwell Row where, by the age of 10, Smith was taking on all comers at billiards. He turned professional in 1913 and won the English championship at his first attempt in 1920. He won the world championship in 1921 and 1923, and was greeted at Bank Top station by cheering crowds. He toured the world, and regularly set world records for the biggest break, although his powers started to wane after his favourite cue was snapped during a match in Australia.
In 1933 and 1935 he reached the World Snooker Championship final, where he was beaten by the legendary Joe Davis. On 4 April 1937, he played Horace Lindrum at Alexandra Palace in the world’s first televised snooker match, and on 22 January 1955, he watched his opponent, Davis, compile the first 147 break.
He built a chain of snooker halls, including, in 1915, one in Northgate. He died in Leeds in 1982, aged 96. Leading snooker commentator Clive Everton said: ‘There is no doubt that he was one of the all-time greats. He played the billiards of the common man, and he was always identified with the common man. He was a terrific character and had a tremendous sense of humour.’
(‘Memories’, The Northern Echo, 2002)