Mini-Prix 1991/92

3rd Event: 8th March, 1992

Bradford: Cuedos Snooker Club

Sponsored by Mr Roger Haycock

48 players gathered at the Cuedos. The attendance was affected by the Merseyside billiards championships being held on the same day. The attendance could have been even less had the Radiant second leg, scheduled for Goa the week before the tournament, not been changed to April. Roger Haycock had given the go-ahead knowing that Goa might have an effect on the professional turnout -- Mini-Prix regulars should be grateful. As it was, with the date of Goa being changed, all the top professionals were there with the exception of Russell and Foldvari. It was, as always, a pleasure to sec Sethi and Ferreira once again. Some of the other Indian Pros had been expected but did not arrive. The Cuedos is a good venue and Roger and his wife could not possibly be more welcoming. One looks forward to a tournament with enhanced pleasure when one knows that it is being held in a good club where the sponsor himself is an enthusiast for the game. Let us hope that the Cuedos will welcome us again next year. Karen Corr made a re-appearance at the billiards. Early arrivals were able to have a cup of coffee and watch James Wattana at snooker practice. It was quite easy to read their thoughts, "h! if only I could pot like that!"

Good breaks from Wildman and Close, Causier and Salisbury. Ferreira by one

Mark Wildman, making a rare Mini-Prix appearance started with a century as did Bob Close - 168 - which was to remain the highest until the very last strokes of the day. David Causier did exceptionally well to put out Ian Williamson. Albert, "Snowy," Salisbury has not been seen at a Mini-Prix for a long long time but he is a very good player and soon made his presence felt. Wildman's century was against his old pupil, sparring partner, and friend Des Heald, a bad draw for Des. Eddie McNicholas had a great game against Michael Ferreira. Eddie was just a bit unlucky, the only time in the match that he was behind was at the bell when he was behind by just one point. Karen Corr did well to beat Kevin Payne though by only four.

Very good win for Andy Reeve Gilchrist puts out Close The young Peterborough professional, Roxton Chapman, has recently made his first 500 break. No less a judge than Mark Wildman tips him for high honours. But he was well beaten this time by Spalding's Andy Reeve. Richard Lodge had a 99* against Wildman but was 36 points adrift at the bell. Peter Gilchrist had a fairly comfortable win over Bob Close who has recently been on such good form. Albert Salisbury just made it (16) against Dick Watts, whilst the BQR editor did quite well against Sethi until the Indian put a stop to the nonsense with a 144.

Fine performance from Causier. Sheehan by only seven

David Causier had a very good victory over professional player John Murphy. Eventual semi-finalist, 18-year-old Peter Sheehan came through by only seven against Andy Reeve. The west-country battle between Andress and Harvey saw the Exeter man through this time despite a 73 from Harvey. This was the only round in which there was not a century break.

Causier falls to Salisbury. Ferreira falls to Sheehan. Two centuries for Sethi

Thrice world amateur champion and once world open champion Michael Ferreira lost by 17 points to Peter Sheehan from Widnes, not yet 18. Ferreira had arrived in England only the day before and was jet-lagged but it is still a very good performance indeed for a young amateur player to get past such a great player. Causier was expected to get to the semis but fell to Albert Salisbury. Albert is a pretty good player and a highly experienced campaigner. Sethi had also arrived only the day before but is younger than Ferreira and can therefore presumably keep awake longer. He was awake enough against Bill Andress to produce two good century breaks.

Centuries for Gilchrist and Sethi

Peter Gilchrist had shown pretty good form all day but began to show exceptionally good form in his semi against Albert Salisbury with a score only just short of 500 and two centuries. Salisbury had done very well to get this far in his first Mini-Prix for some time. Peter Sheehan had had a wonderful tournament but Sethi was too good for him. Sheehan looks a good prospect.

A Most Remarkable Match

Remarkable it most certainly was, one of the most remarkable finals in the history of the series. Geet Sethi had an average of 38.8 which is more than respectable for an hour's match. Unfortunately for him his opponent had an average of nearly twice as many. Sethi got off to a good start with a 68 which ended with a kick on a long loser, and he followed this with an 89 ending as a dead strength top-of-the-table cannon failed by a hairs-breadth. He later added breaks of 52 and 41. In the meantime Peter Gilchrist made the game look easy with consecutive breaks of 196 and 207, this latter being the highest of the day. It was billiards of sparkling and exhilarating quality. Gilchrist in this form is worth going a long way to see. The match is well described in the figures:-Sethi 0 (break off.) 2. 68. 89.20. 52. 41. Total 272 Gilchrist. 0. 0. 33. 196. 207. 0. 8* Total 444. Peter Gilchrist thus took his second Mini-Prix in a row.

Bradford Plate

An excellent day's billiards at an excellent club. Roger Haycock has already said that he hopes to be able to put on a Mini-Prix again next year. All enthusiasts are hoping so, the season would not be the same without a visit to Bradford.

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