Editorial
Maggie French
It is with regret that I have to inform those readers who have not yet heard, of the death of Maggie French. She was just 21.
The Billiards Quarterly Review offers condolences to Maggie's family and friends.
Maggie and the Mini-Prix
Can there be any of the old Mini-Prix regulars, who do not recall Alex French, he of the thunderous voice, calling the role and announcing the draw? Can there be any ex Mini-Prix players who do not remember Alex's daughter Maggie, whether up-dating the progress board, or refereeing an important game, or just simply being there? The Mini-Prix was for a few years a very nice Sunday out at which any billiards enthusiast could match himself against the grace of Norman Dagley, the solidity of Herbert Beetham, or the brilliance of a Bob Close or a Ken Shirley. That they invariably lost didn't matter, billiards was alive.
And then it happened. In the early tournaments of 1986 those sedate Sunday gatherings were hit as by an atomic explosion never to be the same again. The atom bombs fell from the North East and were named, principally, Russell and Gilchrist, though there were others. But it was the 17-year-old Russell who made the greatest impact and which of us will ever forget the way he played in the two or three years when the Mini-Prix was at the peak of its success. He didn't always win but he mostly did. His game was such a mixture of high skill, audacity, and sheer brilliance, that it often had spectators laughing at the way he could make billiards look like shelling peas.
It was at that time when there was a real chance for professional billiards to have made an impact on the snooker public. That was when the game should have been taken round the country. That was when the basis of a regular professional circuit should have been established. With Russell and Gilchrist as the star attractions who knows what the more established players might have been stirred to achieve and who knows to what extent billiards might have regained some of its old popularity. It is now too late, they have missed the boat. And at that time, as part of this wonderful breath of fresh air that had blown into the billiard room, was the wonderful Maggie French. Bright-eyed, intelligent, Maggie of the infectious laugh, happy, an integral part of the billiards young-things scene. Popular with the players both young and old, never alone. Until a few weeks ago when, in an alone moment of black despair, she died. There are many of us Maggie who will not forget you and the part you played in making those Sunday Pro-Ams the great billiards events that they were.
Willie Mosconi
The Death has been reported at the age of 80 of the former World Pool Champion Willie Mosconi. Mosconi won 15 World Titles between 1940 and 1957. He still holds the world record pool run of 526 balls, and of 125 balls in 30 minutes. He was the technical adviser on the film, "The Hustler," and played some of the shots. His great rival, Minnesota Fats, claimed that the character in the film was based on his life. Fats, now aged 92, was recently discovered in Nashville, destitute and living on the streets.
Ken Shirley and the Darley Dale
Those readers who are interested in going to the Darley Dale Invitation Billiards (Ad.Page 5) should book their tickets early. Viewing accommodation is limited. Anyone deciding at the last moment should check with Jim McCann that they will be able to get in. Ken Shirley, winner a couple of years ago, will not be playing this year at his own request. Ken, amateur champion in 1986, has not been in his best form for some time and, sportsman that he is, feels that he ought not to play. An invitation has been extended to Peter Gilchrist.
Roger Lee and Professional Tournament Format
Many enthusiasts have expressed their disapproval of the short-game (150 up) format used in the Strachan U.K. and the Grand Slam events. The argument is that billiards is all about big breaks and that players cannot make big breaks if games are of only 150 up. The format has been described as, "Mickey-Mouse," billiards. This is rather unfair as I have seen some very exciting short game matches. However, Roger Lee has come up with a great idea allowing for the excitement of the short game and the possibility of big breaks. How to have your cake and eat it! See Roger's article.
Another invitation from Darley Dale
The organisers of the Darley Dale Invitation, Jim McCann and Malcolm Gregory are putting out another kind of invitation. They are inviting any two players for a Sunday afternoon at the Whitworth Institute for billiards, tea, and a chat about the game. The playing conditions at Whitworth are absolutely first class. Anyone who is interested in this invitation cum challenge should contact Jim on 0629 734269.
W.P.B.S.A. Chief Executive
It has been reported that Mr. Alan Street, the recently appointed WPBSA Chief Executive is to give up the job. The Board is reported to have announced that they would not renew Mr. Street's contract and so it has been decided that he should relinquish the post immediately. Mr. Street was Chief Executive for only nine weeks.
