Snooker glory to be commemorated
IT IS almost 30 years since a young cockney upstart from London came to Launceston to play in the world amateur snooker championships.
Jimmy "Whirlwind" White, a tearaway 18-year-old, had to be given special permission by British officials to make the trip to Tasmania.
The world titles were held at the Albert Hall in Launceston and White progressed through the tournament and played Tasmanian legend Ron Atkins in the final.
White won the final 11-1, immediately turned professional and went on to become one of the most successful players in the history of the game.
Atkins, 73, still has fond memories of the 1980 world titles despite the lopsided score in the final.
"I would have to say it was the proudest moment of my life," he said.
Atkins was president of the Tasmanian Billiards and Snooker Association at the time, and behind-the-scenes preparation of the Albert Hall was the focus of his attention rather than playing in the tournament.
"I was originally second emergency and hadn't had a cue in my hand for two or three months," he said.
After a couple of players pulled out, the opportunity was there for Atkins to play, but still he was more content to ensure the world titles went ahead without a hitch.
"One of the officials said that I would regret it if I didn't take the opportunity, and as the tournament progressed I played myself into form and got through to the final."
Atkins said the world championship event was only the second to come to Tasmania at the time, following the world chopping championships held on the North-West a couple of years earlier.
"A number of other states wanted it and we had to put our case," he said.
"I had played in two world championships previously and knew what was required ... and the other states couldn't come up with as good a venue as the Albert Hall."
A budget of $80,000 was required, and at the last minute Atkins and fellow organiser Rex Swain came up with a liquor permit so a small bar could operate during the titles.
"It was an upstairs bar and it left us $12,000 above budget."
Atkins said a blueprint from the 1980 world titles was used as guidelines for future world titles.
Swain is in the middle of organising an anniversary dinner to mark the world titles.
Negotiations are continuing with the Launceston City Council for a grant to assist and the function will probably be held at the Launceston Working Men's Club.
"We want a facility big enough to hold a snooker table as we have plans for an exhibition game or a display of trick shots," he said.
White and Malta's Paul Mifsud and Arvind Savur have been invited to provide their memories of 30 years ago, which will be shown on video on the night.
After his youthful indiscretions, White mended his ways, becoming so popular he was known as the "people's champion", made the final of the world professional championship six times and in 1999 was awarded the MBE.
Swain said invitations had also been extended to Warren King (South Australia), John Campbell (New South Wales), Bill Barrie and Jim Banner (both Western Australia), James Giannaros (Tasmania) and Atkins, who had played for Australia during the titles.