He’s a legend of the table, he’s a six-time World Champion, and he’s quaking in his boots as we shake hands before our infamous grudge match of pool at Riley’s snooker club in Victoria. (The pictures don’t lie)

Alas, Steve had just too much in his locker for me, beating me on the black despite my excessive but fair attempts to distract him by showing a ‘bit of leg’. In all fairness it was his game from start to finish and judging by the fact that he rarely played anything other than an immaculate trickshot, I think he may have been taking my challenge with a pinch of salt.

The event was a wonderful one though as Steve gave journalists his tips on snooker perfection while one sharp-shooter from Xbox 360 World magazine managed to topple the king in a game of 9-ball pool (see Steve performing his forfeit of shame below)

It was a cracking night, and Steve kept everyone amused until the early hours when he had to leave us to challenge each other on the tables, which in all fairness was a slightly more even set of contests.

Be warned Steve, I’ve been practicing for when we next meet!

World Snooker Championship 2007 is now out on Xbox 360, PS3, PS2 and PSP and it’s so realistic, it’ll have your cue standing on end!

Visit the official website now