1972 Ford Series Tournament

The 1972 Ford Series Tournament was a non-ranking invitational snooker tournament, which took place at the Stanley Institute, Burscough, from 11 to 13 December 1972, sponsored by Skelmersdale Motors.[1] Four professional players were invited: reigning world champion Alex Higgins, and former world champions Ray Reardon, John Spencer, and John Pulman.[2] There was a prize fund of £400.[2]

1972 Ford Series Tournament
Tournament information
Dates11 to 13 December 1972
VenueStanley Institute
CityBurscough
CountryUnited Kingdom
OrganisationWPBSA
FormatNon-Ranking event
Total prize fund£400
Highest break114,  Alex Higgins (NIR)
Final
Champion Alex Higgins (NIR)
Runner-up John Pulman (ENG)
Score4–2

The choice of venue was criticised by a local councillor, who argued that the tournament should have been held within the town of Skelmersdale, where sponsors Skelmersdale Motors were based, rather than in Burscough; a spokesperson for the sponsors responded that no snooker tables of the necessary standard were available in the town.[3]

Higgins won the title, defeating Pulman 4–2 in the final.[1] He also made the highest break of the tournament, 114, during the final,[1] having earlier made a break of 100 against Reardon.[4]

Main draw

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Results for the tournament are shown below.[1]

 
Semi-finalsFinal
 
      
 
 
 
 
  Alex Higgins (NIR) 4
 
 
 
  Ray Reardon (WAL)2
 
  Alex Higgins (NIR)4
 
 
 
  John Pulman (ENG)2
 
  John Pulman (ENG)4
 
 
  John Spencer (ENG) 3
 
Third place
 
 
 
 
 
  Ray Reardon (WAL) 3
 
 
  John Spencer (ENG)0

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Higgins in top gear at Ford tournament". Snooker Scene. February 1973. p. 9.
  2. ^ a b "Higgins in a Hurry". Liverpool Echo. 7 December 1972. p. 27.
  3. ^ "Snooker venue makes Stan see Red". Skelmersdale Reporter. 6 December 1972. p. 7.
  4. ^ "Higgins in top form". Belfast News-Letter. 12 December 1972. p. 12.