Pulman, John (1923–1998)

English snooker player. A leading professional player of the 1950s and 1960s, he was world champion in 1957, and from 1964 to 1968.

Born in Devon, he turned professional in 1946 after winning the English Amateur Championship. In 1957 he was recognized as world champion after winning the World Matchplay Championship. This tournament was discontinued after 1957 but when the world championship was revived on a challenge basis in 1964 Pulman defeated his great rival Fred Davis in a championship decider. He won six consecutive challenges 1964–68, but lost the title in 1969, the first year the championship was held on a knock-out basis. He reached the final in 1970, but thereafter he was in decline as a player, notwithstanding a surprise semi-final appearance at the 1978 world championships. However, he remained an important figure in the game for many years as a coach and television commentator.