On this day: Modern snooker was invented in 1875 in India by Sir Neville Chamberlain, a bored British officer

Snooker began in 1875 India, credited to Sir Neville Chamberlain’s variation of black pool, later recognised after his 1938 letter to The Field and Compton Mackenzie’s 1939 support. It evolved from a colonial pastime into a structured professional sport, shaped by television exposure and modern champions, and has since grown into a truly global game.