The much troubled government of billiards and snooker in Northern Ireland appears to be having problems once again. An attempt to bring together the two rival organisations under the chairmanship of the Northern Ireland Sports Council appeared to be operating successfully, resulting in the formation of a new body entitled the Northern Ireland Billiards & Snooker Association. However, in November, the Sports Council withdrew its support stating that they "were not able to sustain internal unity". Although the board of the NIB&SA remains intact, it appears that without the mediation of the Sports Council it is no longer a viable organisation. Already, moves are in hand to re-establish the original competing bodies, each claiming to govern the game in the province.
The endorsement of the Sports Council is an important requirement for IBSF recognition and until a single organisation emerges which earns this recognition, billiards and snooker in Northern Ireland appear doomed to exclusion from IBSF Championships.
Davy Pogue took his first victory in a ranking tournament as he emerged undefeated from the Windsor Billiards Classic. Playing best of five 150 up games, Pogue won the final 3-1 against Freddie Cahoon, with all games being closely contested. In the semi-final Pogue had defeated Trevor Shields 3-0, whilst Cahoon had prevailed against Tony Buttimer 3-2.