News from the Editor's Chair
The closed season is a busy time for everyone engaged In the administration of a particular sport, and billiards is no exception. Listening to the advice of colleagues, answering criticisms, and not least, paying particular attention to the financial health of the association and the prudent management of its funds, is a principle we are determined to uphold. Thankfully, we are comfortable In the belief that our sport is structurally sound. We do not require huge sums of money to support its administration and we are not sucked into believing that changes are needed to make the sport commercially viable. The emphasis is now on delivering a quality service to those players, officials and supporters who have our trust.
Arrangements have been put in place for the inaugural staging of the ‘E.A.B.A. Whitworth Masters´, at the Whitworth Institute, Darley Dale in September this year. The tournament caries no prize money and is totally financed by the English players who have been invited to take part. A perpetual trophy has been donated by the trustees of the Whitworth Institute, and personal mementoes will be presented to the winner, runner up and each of the players and officials who participate. On this occasion eight players from the English ranking list plus two International players have been invited. Two players declined the invitation, but without exception the rest of the players expressed their pleasure and honour at being asked to take part. The annual invitation of players to be included In the Whitworth Masters', and the playing format of the tournament will be at the discretion of the E.A.B.A. committee. It is envisaged that this tournament will become well established and a regular and prestigious event in the English calendar. News of Matthew Bolton's splendid performance In the Australian Open (page 15) is music to the ears of all billiards players. It comes as no surprise to those who saw Matthew burst onto the International scene at Melbourne in the 'Walter Lindrum Centenary Championship' in 1999. From time to time the billiards world is shocked by the emergence of yet another superstar. Matthew has shown that in a very short time, with the advantage of youth, a dedicated approach to the study of billiards and regular practise, he has become yet another Australian phenomenon. We hear that Matthew is considering becoming a professional, If this is the case, we in the Amateur game fully endorse his decision and wish him many years of success and prosperity. His graduation to the professional ranks will enhance the professional game down under and give a fillip to a professional sport that at the moment appears to lack purpose and direction.
The 'IBSF World Billiards Championship' takes place at Christchurch, New Zealand, in September. A limited English entry is expected, dependent upon the financial resources of the entrants and the expectations of rewards for the winners. The EABA has made it quite clear, to all who may be concerned about the Association's stance on the reinstatement of the World Amateur Billiards Championship, that until the World bodies recognise the word 'Amateur', and until the World Amateur Championship, and its trophy, have been returned to the amateur ranks, It will not support any so-called 'World Billiards Championship'. All the EABA asks for is a return to the status quo, that is, to hold an 'Amateur World Championship' biennially. An open championship on the first year, and an amateur championship on the second year. The professionals can run their championships as they wish. It's so simple! If needed, qualifiers for Olympic or Commonwealth entry may be decided by Open competition. In the meantime, the E.A.B.A. convey to the New Zealand Association its very best wishes and success for the Christchurch event, and may the Kiwi's provide us all with a worthy champion.
Keep your chin up—