Tony Meo was an English professional snooker player who enjoyed his greatest success during the 1980s, becoming a regular top-16 competitor and reaching the latter stages of the sport’s biggest tournaments.
Tony Meo – Career Snapshot
| Date of birth: | 4 October 1959 |
| Nationality: | England |
| Turned professional: | 1979 |
| Highest world ranking: | No. 10 |
| Ranking titles: | 1 |
| World Championship titles: | 0 |
| Triple Crown titles: | 0 |
| Masters appearances: | 8 |
| Maximum 147 breaks: | 1 |
Tony Meo’s Snooker Career
Tony Meo turned professional in 1979, one year after winning the British Under-19 Amateur Championship. He grew up playing snooker alongside childhood friend Jimmy White, and the two remained closely associated throughout their careers. Meo quickly became known for his all-round style of play and earned the nickname “The Cat”.
Meo established himself on the professional circuit during the early 1980s and became a regular presence inside the world’s top 16. He reached the final of the 1984 Classic, one of the sport’s major ranking events at the time, where he narrowly lost 9–8 to Steve Davis in a closely contested match.
His finest period came during the 1988/89 snooker season. Meo claimed his sole ranking title at the 1989 British Open before going on to produce his best World Championship performance later that year, reaching the semi-finals at the Crucible Theatre. The run confirmed him as one of the leading players of his generation, even if he fell short of the sport’s very top tier.
Alongside his singles career, Meo was also a dominant force in doubles competition. He forged a highly successful partnership with Steve Davis, winning multiple World Doubles Championship titles during the mid-1980s and becoming one of the era’s most accomplished doubles specialists.
During the 1990s, Meo’s results declined as snooker entered a new era dominated by younger players. He gradually slipped down the rankings and eventually dropped off the professional tour in 1997.
Tony Meo’s Ranking Titles
Tony Meo won 1 ranking title during his professional career.
| Year | Tournament |
|---|---|
| 1989 | British Open |
Other Major Titles and Notable Wins
- World Doubles Championship (1982, 1983, 1985, 1986)
- Australian Masters (1981, 1985)
- Thailand Masters (1983)
- Matchroom International League (1990)
- Pontins Brean Sands (1983)
Tony Meo and the Triple Crown
Tony Meo won 0 Triple Crown titles during his professional career, reaching the World Championship semi-finals in 1989.
- World Championship: 0 titles
- UK Championship: 0 titles
- Masters: 0 titles
SHQ Star Rating: ★★★
SnookerHQ uses a seven-point star scale based on the scoring values of snooker balls, with a black (7) representing the highest career classification. Ratings are assigned using career achievements, longevity, and historical impact.
Tony Meo: ★★★
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