I was fortunate enough to witness Mike Russell defeat Sonic Multani in the final of the Strachan Tournament at the Norwich Sports Village to take the £6,000 first prize.
Even in defeat, Multani, who collected £3,000, impressed me as a "coming player" with a good personality and mental resilience which should serve him well for future events.
The final of the World Matchplay was held at the Anglian TV studios on 9th March 1997, and concluded in favour of Robby Foldvari who overcame the challenge of Geet Sethi to take the first prize of £4,500. The match was followed by interviews and trick shots by Roxton Chapman and Mike Ferreira.
In my humble opinion, Foldvari won because he was the most careful, deliberate player - a great asset when playing for so much money. If I want exhibition billiards and I pay Robby the appropriate fee, he will no doubt entertain us with shots he would never play in such competitive events.
For my money, Willie Smith, Newman, Davis, to say nothing of Walter Lindrum, would have more than held their own against the current professionals. I do not say that dogmatically, but have considered the first-hand opinions of Norman Squire, an Australian professional of Lindrum's generation, and Eddie Charlton, who played with Lindrum at the age of 17, who have told me of the great man's play.
At the age of 76 myself, I find that the game keeps me young!