Mini - Prix 1990/91

4th Event: 21st October, 1990

Leeds, The Manor, Yeadon

This was the first visit of the Mini-Prix to The Manor Fitness and Leisure Club. The facilities are excellent with many sporting activities being catered for, there is even an indoor running track. Conditions for Billiards were on the whole pretty good and many players commented on the quality of the catering.

Mini-Prix's first lady player has good win

For the first time there was a female entrant to the Mini-Prix. This was Ladies' Snooker Champion Karen Corr who has recently been practicing billiards. Karen is an excellent potter and made several thirty breaks by pots alone. She did well to beat the Leeds Amateur Ted Warren though by only three. There were centuries from Russell and Foldvari. New professional David Causier made an immediate impact with a good win over Derrick Townend. There was an excellent win too for Ivan Stevenage.

Two centuries for Gilchrist

Bill Andress was overwhelmed as Gilchrist scored 550 with two centuries. Russell went one better with all the 5s (555) against Brian Harvey - a bad draw for the West-Country men. Causier beat International player Mark Hirst though by only 6 points whilst Foldvari rolled on undisturbed. Karen Corr lost by only 32 to the far more experienced Malc. Pilkington, let's hope Karen becomes a regular at the Mini-Prix.

More centuries for Gilchrist

There were no surprises. Kevin Payne might have been expected to have scored a few more even though against Bob Close. Causier ran riot, Gilchrist with two more centuries gave Dick Watts no chance.

Very Close for McCann

Jim McCann did well to beat Bob Close but it was indeed Close - just 5 points. Causier led Russell for much of the game but late runs of 58 and 74 gave The Champion a comfortable victory. Malc. Pilkington similarly held Foldvari for much of the game going under to the Australian's late century. Gilchrist had more big breaks in a fairly easy win over fellow-professional John Murphy.

Foldvari rolls on

Walter Lindrum is reputed to have rated his powers of concentration as his most valuable asset. The same might be said of his compatriot

Robby Foldvari. The Australian has a world-class technique, his game and particularly his choice of stroke is the model for any young player; but his concentration must be, as in the case of Lindrum, possibly his greatest asset. One feels that if a bomb were to explode nearby the Australian would hardly waver from the job in hand. He played as if Russell - Russell of all people - was not there. Jim McCann did well against Gilchrist the Middlesbrough Pro.being just a little too good.

Gilchrist Fades

Peter Gilchrist, if not at his very best, had nevertheless with 5 centuries played pretty well all day. In this final he was unable to make much impact as a score of 189 and a top break of only 48 makes very clear. Foldvari again played as if he were the only person in the room and with 102 at his fifth visit followed by 52 and with 79 at his eighth visit was a comfortable winner.

Leeds Plate

No great surprise, Des took a bit of a shellacking from Brian Harvey though there's no disgrace in that.

Again no particularly unusual results except possibly that of Bill Andress who is usually a prolific scorer in plate competitions whoever the opposition.

Steve Crosland had another high scoring half-hour whilst the other matches were all fairly close.

It often happens in the plate that when two good players meet one will win easily. There is not enough time to recover from one player taking advantage of a good leave or two. So it was as Mark Hirst overcame Steve Crosland. Welsh Professional Howard Griffiths got past Gordon Ridlington in a rather scrappy game.

A good game. Mark Hirst made a 53 break and won the game by 56.

A good day at a good club, the turnout, though much better than Grimsby (36) was still, at 48, a little disappointing for a Tournament held in a Billiards stronghold.

The Leeds Tournament was once again sponsored by Britvic Corona.

5th Event: 4th November, 1990

Exeter, Snooker Lodge

It is always a most pleasant trip into the South West, and there is invariably a good turn-out despite the distance involved for many players. The Snooker Lodge is an excellent venue and attention to the tables had restored them to good all-round condition.

Preliminary Round - Big Breaks from Russell and Dagley Mike Russell started the day with a break of 325 whilst Norman Dagley had breaks of 122 and 171. Norman's Mini-Prix appearances are limited these days. It is always a pleasure to see him play and he generally obliges with some good breaks. There were no upsets. The snooker player Robert Marshall made his billiards debut and showed a good basic knowledge of the game though losing to Tony Done.

Near thing for Dagley

Des Heald made a great effort against Norman Dagley losing by a mere 7 points. Russell needed a late century to get past Hirst. Local player Trevor Entwhistle did well against John Murphy losing by only 23. There was a very good match between Derick Townend and local Dave Clue who had a good 95. P. Dunning had an excellent win over Brian Harvey. Other games went much as expected.

Century from Hardcastle. Not Clueless at all

Steve Hardcastle had a nice break of 113, and there were centuries also from Russell and Foldvari. Cornishman Dave Clue must be a bit fed up of people making cracks about being clueless etc, he will forgive me. Dave is far from not having a clue and played very well to beat the more-than-capable Dave Runsam.

Fine win for Murphy, near miss for Dunning

John Murphy had a break of 138 in overcoming Dagley. Paul Dunning, who had made more progress than for some time.put up a great effort against Steve Hardcastle and had his chance to win. Russell and Foldvari were too good for Clue and Watts both of whom had had a pretty good tournament.

Foldvari overwhelms Russell

Foldvari seems to be making a habit of producing his best against Russell. The Australian went into his oblivious-to-the-world mode and produced breaks of 121 and 112 on his way to a very comfortable win over the World Champion. The second of these breaks included a superb masse". Murphy and Hardcastle were, "Even Stevens," for most of the game with Murphy going away towards the end.

Great Win for Murphy

Foldvari made a break of 110 at his third visit and one of 63 at his seventh. The Australian seemed well in control of the game and nicely on his way to a second consecutive Mini-Prix. But Murphy was far from finished. An 83 kept him in the game; further runs of 109 and 61 put him into the lead Foldvari had the balls under control but a missed long-loser was the end for him and Murphy finished the winner by 66 points in a game that had initially seemed to have quite slipped from his grasp. This was Murphy's first Mini-Prix Title and a very well deserved one at that.

First Round - B.Q.R. Editor Tom Terry, having been hammered by Billiards player Steve Hardcastle in the first round of the Main Competition finished his Tournament by being hammered by Snooker player Robert Marshall in the first round of the plate; C'est la vie, there are nice comfortable chairs at the Snooker Lodge.

There were no sensations in this round. Robert Marshall's progress continued. David Rees lost by just 9 points but the Derby player's thoughts might well have been elsewhere. On the way to Exeter he had had trouble with his nearly new Jaguar. (How many times has he been told to get a decent car?) He had called the R.A.C. and after the usual wait the patrol man had turned up and given some very helpful advice, i.e. "You need a Jaguar garage mate!"

Marshall carried on potting the red every time he looked at it. Vince Hardwell was perhaps rather surprisingly beaten.

Mark Hirst had a very nice break of 105 -a century in the Plate is always noteworthy. Marshall simply carried on potting the red.

In view of a century in the Semi, Mark Hirst might have been expected to win his second consecutive Plate. But not so. Robert Marshall's excellent potting combined with some basic cannons and in-offs carried the day. It is a bit niggling to see Billiards players walloped by Snooker men, but Marshall really did play well. Let us hope that more Snooker players might take the plunge into billiards, but if they carry on as Marshall did then we shall have to set Russell onto them!

An enjoyable day watching Billiards (It would have been nice to have been playing!) A good turn out. The Exeter Tournament was sponsored once again by The Lance Ceramics.

6th Event: 2nd December, 1990

Widnes Snooker Centre

Players always receive a friendly welcome at the Widnes Snooker Centre, and although this event is usually at a time of year when travelling conditions are not of the best, there is generally a good attendance and it is a pleasure -to renew the acquaintance of some players who do not generally travel far afield.

Great play by Bob Close

Teesside Professionals Peter Gilchrist and Bob Close were drawn in the Prelim. The last time the two met Gilchrist handed out a thrashing. This time it was Peter who was on the end of a walloping as Close made breaks of 145, 154, and 114* Exeter winner John Murphy was well beaten by the Grimsby Amateur Alf Crampin. The long journey from Exeter had no happy arrival for either Bill Andress or Dick Watts, both went out, Andress to Branson Hoole and Watts to Eddie McNicholas.

No centuries

It was an unusual round in that there was not even one century break. The best were 93 from Russell and 89 from Hardcastle. Des Heald had a 78 but lost to Dave Barton by 6 points.

Good win for Crosland

The game between the two Steves resulted in a good win for Crosland despite some determined play from Hardcastle. All the other games went more or less as expected.

Russell routed

The World Champion had played reasonably well throughout the early rounds but was clearly not at his best - a condition attributable to some extent to the fact that Mike had been driving most of the night on his way back from the South West where he had been giving a series of exhibitions with Mark Wildman. As Russell was unable to force the openings Crosland seized his chance and played excellently only just missing a couple of centuries. There was an amusing sequel to this game. It had been played on the nearest table to the crowded bar area. As Russell sat down after the game with a bewildered look on his face he remarked, referring to his opponent, "What got into him?" This brought some chuckles but at that moment, Peter Gilchrist, passing by the Scoreboard, read out in a mock surprise voice, "What's all this then, Mike Russell 169, Steve Crosland -" the rest was drowned in a roar of laughter, Russell himself joining in. Geoff Seddon had a century in his match, Close won comfortably. Causier scraped past Brian Harvey by just 10 points.

Good effort from Seddon,

Steve Crosland made a great start against Geoff Seddon but the Liverpool man fought back strongly to make a game of it. Close is still too good and experienced for such as David Causier but the young Teesside player had done well to get to the Widnes Semi for the second year running and his day will come.

Anti Climax

The final was in total contrast to what had gone before. Both players had scored well all day and both had made very good breaks. For some reason neither could make much progress in the Final and both had difficulty with the rather slow speed of the table and an awkward run of the balls. Bob Close made the highest break (47) and his greater experience and all-round ability saw him to a win in a disappointing final.

Widnes Plate

The Plate was not going to be easy - at least on paper. Dick Watts, Peter Gilchrist, and Bill Andress all had impressive first round scores.

Dick Watts and Malc. Pilkington had good scores whist Gilchrist had a century break in a remarkable 296. in a game in which Des Heald did well to score 117.

Gilchrist improved on the previous round with a higher score and a bigger break. Gordon Ridlington did very well against Mark Hirst, but Malc. Pilkington was disappointed in his showing v Bill Andress.

Gilchrist overwhelmed Andress whilst Ridlington had a very satisfying win over Dick Watts who had been on good form.

Gilchrist with yet another century was far too good for Gordon Ridlington who, however, had had a good tournament. Gilchrist's figures for the Plate were truly exceptional in 5 half-hour games he scored 1401 points with breaks of 112, 111, 105, 89, 80, 74, 54, 53, 50, and this against good Plate opposition. These figures are almost certainly a Mini-Prix Plate record.

An entertaining day's Billiards in pleasant surroundings and good company. The Tournament was generously sponsored by The Widnes Snooker Club and by Mr. Arthur Johnson.

7th Event: 13th January, 1991

Norwich. Woodside Snooker Centre

The Norwich event of 1990 attracted 60 players as against 41 this year. This year's event coincided with the Inter County Heats. This had an effect on the turnout - for example Yorkshire were playing in Bradford involving Mark Hirst and Steve Crosland. Some players who had been involved on Saturday may not have wished to give up the whole weekend to billiards. This did not apply to Bill Andress. Bill played in the County match in Birmingham on Saturday finishing at around 6.00 p.m. at which time he went home (Exeter) to be up again next morning at 5.30 a.m to pick up travelling companions for the drive to Norwich; this is what is known as enthusiasm. The Woodside is an excellent club where the players are given a great welcome.

Century for Watson

Bill Watson had an excellent century against Bill Andress. A half dozen or so local players made progress. Jock McGregor was unfortunate enough to draw Peter Gilchrist.

Big Breaks

Russell looked very good obliterating the century making Bill Watson with a double and two single centuries. Steven Whiteley had a competition best of 105. John Scott had a 106. Tom Terry played a decent game for once playing out time with 84* to beat Gerry Hoffman by just 21.

Doubles from Russell and Gilchrist. Good win for Extall The Teesside Professionals piled up the points but the best wins of the round were those of local player Colin Extall and Phil Welham. Extall put out the vastly experienced Dick Watts, whilst Welham accounted for Hartlepool Professional John Murphy. John Scott lost to Steve Hardcastle by 21 in a game the Luton man should have won.

Well done Colin

Colin Extall had the satisfaction of a century against Russell after the Marske man (now based in Clacton) had had yet another double century. Tom Terry had only himself to blame for not getting to the Semis snatching defeat from the jaws of victory to lose to Hardcastle by 23.

Russell runs riot

Mike Russell looked as if he would never break down and had nearly 400 on the board before Peter Gilchrist could score. Gilchrist himself eventually made a century and with the result beyond doubt, both players treated the spectators to an exciting demonstration of their considerable cue-power. Gilchrist in particular played some astonishing high speed pots whilst Russell made some breathtaking screw strokes. Hardcastle found some better form to beat Grimsby's Alf Crampin, but Crampin, though in the weaker half of the draw, had done very well indeed to get to the Semis. Crampin is a quiet, unassuming player and, as the B.Q.R. Editor knows from experience, he is a hard man to beat.

Dramatic Win for Hardcastle

Steve Hardcastle had not been at his best and, as he said himself, had reached the Final mainly by courtesy of his opponents though he had started to show better form in the Semi. Russell, by contrast, had taken the tournament by storm, had scored four double and six single centuries. After a tournament or two in which he had looked vulnerable, The World Professional Champion appeared close to his best. It was going to be, or so most people thought, a one sided game. One player, Steve Whiteley said that in his opinion Hardcastle was going to win this one because it was, "His day." He had not played too well whilst Russell had played brilliantly but Whiteley said he had a feeling that this would change in the Final. He proved to be right.

Russell made 144 at his 5th visit and 68 at his 8th. and the score stood 216 - 43. It was now that everything changed. In his last 7 visits to the table Russell scored 46 points whilst Hardcastle, getting a leave or two, at last showed what he is capable of with 84, 0, 33, 123, 46, 11 (Left D.B.) and 7* to win the game by 85. It was a remarkable victory gained against the best player in the world. Well done Steve.

Norwich Plate

There were no surprises in this Prelim. Andy Reeve had a nice break of 78

All games were close.Mini-Prix ever-presents Paul Dunning lost by 9, Des Heald by 16, and Bill Andress by 5. Well done the winners.

Again the games were very close. Gordon Ridlington beat Vic Tallant by a mere 6 in a desperate finish.

This was Gordon Ridlington's second consecutive Plate Final. He lost at Widnes but went one better this time with a good win over the improving Kevin Payne

This Tournament, played in a first-rate club, summed up what the Mini-Prix is (as they say) all about. Some great play, some fine personal performances, some surprises, some laughs, and perhaps most important all, the renewal of old acquaintances.

8th Event: 3rd February, 1991

Bradford, Cuedos Snooker Club

This was a Mini-Prix first for the Cuedos Club The club premises and generous sponsorship were provided by that great enthusiast for the game, club-owner Roger Haycock. Most of the Mini-Prix regulars were in attendance and the professional ranks were augmented by Australians Eddie Charlton, and Robby Foldvari, British Open runner-up Ian Williamson of Leeds, and Chairman of the Professional Players Committee Matt Wildman.

Good breaks for Charlton

Eddie Charlton was soon into his stride hardly giving Paul Dunning a look-in. Tom Terry held Russell before going under to a late century from the Champion. Foldvari, Andress, and Williamson all had century breaks. Mark Wildman had a 91 in beating fellow Professional Howard Griffiths by just two points. Tony Mackinder made a welcome reappearance after a long absence, and an equally welcome debut was made by Sri-Lankan snooker champion Indika Dodangoda playing under the watchful eye of James Wattana. Des Heald went out to Steven Whiteley by one point. Alf Crampin and Gordon Ridlington, travelling companions from the Grimsby area, were unfortunately involved in a road accident. Thankfully they were uninjured but the car and their billiards were, as they say in these days of the Gulf War, degraded.

Crosland does it again

Steve Crosland repeated his Widnes win over Mike Russell by 2 points in a frantic finish. Derek Townend did well to beat Jim McCann. Ian Williamson made what proved to be the highest break of the day, 242 against Tony Mackinder. The Leeds Professional was playing the game in an entirely different spirit to that which he had shown at the Barbican. Bob Close put out Foldvari with a fine break of 183.

Good win for Firth

Alan Firth had a very good win over a confident Steve Crosland. Wildman and Williamson both had two centuries. Ken Shirley made an excellent start against Bob Close but was beaten by the Hartlepool Professional's 128.

Firth goes one better

Alan Firth continued his winning way with the notable scalp of Eddie Charlton. Gilchrist - Close was indeed Close until the Middlesbrough man settled it with a 100. Wildman left it too late against Mark Hirst. Williamson had yet another century against Dave Barton. - a young player from Widnes who had had a good tournament.

Three centuries for Williamson

Ian Williamson ran riot with three centuries Mark Hirst not getting a look-in. Firth had had a great run but Gilchrist was a little too good.

Both players Fade

The Final then was a repeat of the British Open Semi just 8 days previously and which had been such a poor advertisement for the game due to Williamson's very slow play. In this Mini-Prix the Leeds Professional had shown all-round mastery, a very good top-of-the-table game, the ability to play the masse, and, above all, the capacity to play fluent and fairly quick billiards, not quick in the Russell/Sethi sense of the word but quick enough to make his play very attractive to watch. It is true that there was less at stake but if Williamson could adopt this approach as a policy then he may be even more of a challenger for major honours than he already is. But it is in the nature of things. After playing well all day both men faded in the final to a mediocre game. Gilchrist took advantage of the best of the running to finish on top but not before Williamson had caused a last minute scare with a 63 sprinting round the table in an effort to beat the clock. He was just too late.

Bradford Plate

First Round There was a real Derby Match between Mini-Prix regulars Jock McGregor and Peter King, Liverpool v Everton just cannot compare. Jock won by 7 and put this down to the fact that he and Peter had played together the evening before and so Jock, "Knew all his weaknesses." Kevin Payne was a surprise loser. There were no other real upsets though Kenny Cockerill might have been expected to score more than 38 v Mark Graham.

Tom Terry, Mark Graham, Howard Griffiths, and Des Heald could all have been forgiven for expecting to win but they all lost.

Newcomer Gordon White from Scarborough continued to make progress with a surprise win over Paul Dunning.

White's good run came to an end but he can feel pleased. Branson Hoole had a lovely break of 124 against Graham Lloyd.

The players were fairly evenly matched. Hoole might have had slightly the better of the running and he took full advantage to win fairly comfortably. He deserved it for his effort in the Semi.

A good Tournament notable particularly for Ian Williamson's emergence as a player of attractive billiards, notable also for some good breaks and some good individual performances. There were plenty of spectators and a lot of interest. The club and its staff were friendly and welcoming. The Mini-Prix will undoubtedly return.

Mini-Prix facts and figures

Players

150 different players have participated in eight events to date. The highest turnout was Bradford with 56 and the lowest Grimsby with 35. Total attendances stand at 371 giving an average turnout of 46. This shows a slight falling off compared with the first eight events of last year when the total turnout was 425 at an average of 53. Eight players so far have been ever-present - Bill Andress, Tony Done, Paul Dunning, Des Heald, Jock McGregor, Kevin Payne, David Rees, and Tom Terry.

Points

Clearly the number of points a player can accumulate depends to some extent on the number of tournaments he plays in. Russell and Gilchrist lead the professionals with 20 points each both having played in 7 events. Hardcastle has 14 from 7 and Close 13 from only 4, whilst Dagley has 11 from just 3.

No Amateur has established anything like a clear lead. Hirst ( Who is said to be reconsidering his decision to turn Professional) has 7 points from 6 events as has Brian Harvey. Alan Firth 6 from only 3. Jim McCann has 5 from 5 whilst Steve Crosland has 5 from 4. There are half-a-dozen players who have 4. These are points gained in the main competition. A run-down of Plate points will be given at the end of the series.

Breaks

The highest is Foldvari's 372 unfinished made in the season's first event - Luton. Next best are Russell's 325 (Exeter) and Gilchrist's 291 unfinished (Grimsby.) To date Russell has 33 centuries (1 triple. 6 doubles.) Gilchrist has 23 (3 doubles.) Foldvari 17 (1 triple.) Bob Close 10. Williamson has 8 with 1 double from just one event. 13 Amateurs have made a century break the highest being 154 by Mark Hirst.

Money

It is no surprise that the top prizes are regularly taken by Professional players and from their point of view is seen as part of the return from many hours of intense practice. 5 players have to date won £500 or more. Peter Gilchrist £1,110 from 7 events. Mike Russell £720 from 7. Bob Close £530 from 4. Robby Foldvari £505 from 6, and Steve Hardcastle £500 from 7.

Amateurs are presumed to play for the love of the game (This is not to say that Professionals do not also play for the love of the game.) but these days a few pounds towards expenses are always welcome. To date only two amateurs have taken more than £100. Steve Crosland has £170 from 4 events, and Alan Firth £160 from 3. 9 players have between £50 and £100.

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