The English billiards championship commenced on 28th November 2004 with the preliminary regional groups. The competition has again been personally sponsored by Mr. Eric Gratton, his generous donation allowing total prize money of £1,000 to be offered. The winner this year will receive £250, the runner-up £150, and cash prizes go down to those eliminated at the last 16, who will each receive £25. There is additionally a high break award of £50.

A total of 93 entries for this season's championship was an encouraging increase on the 77 of last year, and although three of these did not make the starting line, this was also an improvement on the previous year where six failed to appear for their opening matches. Worst affected on this occasion was the South-East region, which had two absentees, although this area also produced some of the best performances. Jack Hedley set the target for the high break prize with a run of 219 in his group, whilst Dave Nichols made five centuries in his three games. Both progressed to the next round, Nichols in particular looking impressive with 90 minute aggregates of 609, 664 and 750, the latter being the highest of the competition at this stage.

Two of the championship's old campaigners came tantalisingly close to qualifying for the last 32 draw. Dick Watts only failed on aggregate count-back, having finished level in games won with Bill Andress in the South-West area. However, the doyen of the championship, Alf Nolan, had an even closer call in the North-East, losing by virtually the last stoke of the round in his deciding match against John Hartley. Having compiled a masterly break of 98, the accomplished tactician looked certain to progress to the next round as he led by 172 with half an hour remaining, but two quick-fire sixty breaks by Hartley put him right back into contention, and he just managed to complete a remarkable recovery as time was called, the final score being 321-317.

In all, there were 25 century breaks made in the opening round, and if the generally high standard of play is maintained there is every prospect of some fine matches to come. The 32 qualifiers will now be reduced to 16 by playing in eight groups of four, using the same 90 minute round-robin format. The matches will take place at various regional venues on 20th February 2005, with the competition proper beginning on 5th March.