News from the editor's chair
The eve of the final stages of the 2002 World Professional Billiards Championship at Midsomer Norton is an appropriate time to comment on the prospects of our most recent graduates to the professional ranks. Lee Lagan, the Teesside giant has at last taken the plunge and takes his chance with a professional sport, which sadly, is hardly equipped to give a player of his undoubted talents the security of a sporting career. Lee's skill is unquestionable, the huge gulf which he has widened between himself and the rest of the amateur game in the past year is tremendous. Lee's touch, his cue-power, his balance and his strategy are compelling to watch. A honing of his concentration and regular professional competitive match play could soon see him at the very top of his chosen profession.
Dave Nichol, the Norfolk star, will have more work to do. Dave's sound all round game and the progress he has made at the top of table is moving him well on the way to maturity. Grit and determination are the hallmarks of Dave's game. He is hell bent on making a name for himself ; a recent move to Teesside, to get nearer the action, is proof of his dedication to the task. We all remember the thrilling encounters that Dave had with the England Amateur team and are well aware of his fighting spirit, his contribution to England's successes are well noted and much appreciated. We in the Amateur game breath a kindly sigh of relief, but also wish both these young men bon voyage, good fortune, and may all their expectations be fulfilled .
My man from the North East, the inimitable Alf Nolan, tells me that the future of the C.I.U. National Billiards Championship is in jeopardy. The entries for this annual competition have been slowly declining, and unless more than twenty entries are received for next year's competition by the closing date, the championship will be discontinued. The halcyon days of the championships, which were graced with the names of so many famous players, including; Wright, Dagley, Close, Oriel, and of course Alf Nolan, are all heroes in the memory. The C.I.U. Championship has been with us since 1920 and has always been regarded as one of the most prestigious events in the billiards calendar. Surely we can help in some way to keep this competition afloat. The event has been dominated in recent years by Teesside. The regional groupings may have a detrimental effect on attracting entries, and the choice of venues for the latter stages may well leave a little to be desired. The E.A.B.A. will help in any way it can to give guidance and assistance in the revival of this traditional and very well respected Championship.
As we approach the end of another season, the E.A.B.A. committee wishes to thank all those who have once again contributed to another most successful year of sport. All our competitions have attracted improved entries, and have been well supported by officials. We will continue to serve and organise our sport in its best tradition. We are all very pleased by the success of the E.A.B.A. 200 Club, and delighted that the spirit of its purpose has been recognised and supported so readily. The finances of the E.A.B.A. are now on a sound footing and look secure for the foreseeable future. Good financial management has been generously supported by donations from those anonymous stalwarts of billiards whom we think are the life blood of the game. Our thanks go out to you all for making our efforts so enjoyable.