Geet Sethi was elected to the Billiards Committee of the WBA at their AGM on Monday 28th February. Mike Ferreira also retained his place, defeating the nomination of Ian Williamson. The other members of the Committee, who were not required to stand for re-election this year, are Mike Russell, Bob Close and Peter Gilchrist (Chairman).
Mike Russell was in Northern Ireland to play an exhibition match against the former Northern Ireland Champion, Billy Hanna, at the Windsor Rooms, Bangor immediately prior to the NI v England International match. Russell made a top break of 380 in this game and had another contribution over 200. With the amateur international players in being attendance, Northern Ireland's Davy Elliott stood in as Russell's second opponent, the World Champion making a break of 472 and other 300+. Gary Rogers from the England team completed the line-up of opponents, and he watched as Russell put together two breaks over 300. Russell had an average of 90 points per visit for the entire exhibition, giving a masterly display of top-of-the-table, while his opponents managed just 150 points between them.
Mike Russell extended his winning run in the SAS Charity Challenge to four in a row when he came out on top of the three man event at Pinewood Park, Upper Sherringham, in March. In addition to Russell, the other players were Chris Shutt and Paul Bennett, the latter having taken the place of David Causier.
In the round-robin group of 75 minute games, Chris Shutt was unbeaten as he produced 40+ averages for both his games. Playing against Mike Russell, both players made double-century breaks, but Shutt proved to be the more consistent and won by the comfortable margin of 296 points. Mike Russell qualified for the final 90 minute game by defeating Paul Bennett, despite two centuries and an average of 38.4 from the Teesside player.
Early in the final game against Shutt, Mike Russell swept to a 500 point advantage with an excellent break of 373. Shutt came back with contributions of 193 and 175 to close the gap, but another break of 142 by Russell secured the victory by 927-535.
The trophies were presented by David Nudd representing the event sponsors, Sands Agricultural Services. Russell's break of 373 proved to be the highest of the day.
Former world amateur billiards champion Michael Ferreira was honoured by being allowed to add his signature to the 'Wall of Fame' at the Silly Point Sports Bistro in North Mumbai (Bombay) The Wall of Fame is a recent concept, modelled on the idea from Hollywood where the hand-prints of famous film-stars are set in cement. The Indian version is intended to recognise the county's most outstanding sports personalities.