Alex Higgins, snooker player, was surprised by Eamonn Andrews at London's Pot Black Club. Belfast born Alex started playing snooker at the age of 11, and aged 19 won the All-Ireland and Northern Ireland Amateur Snooker Championships. He turned professional at the age of 22, winning the World Championship at his first attempt in 1972, becoming the youngest ever winner of the title. Nicknamed 'Hurricane' Higgins because of his fast play, he came to be known as the ‘People’s Champion’ because of his popularity, and is often credited with having brought the game of snooker to a wider audience.