The Classic was a professional snooker tournament, which began in 1980 and ended in 2023. It was originally a non-ranking event, but became ranking in 1984. Steve Davis won the event six times and Mark Selby was the last champion.

The Classic
Tournament information
VenueMorningside Arena
LocationLeicester
CountryEngland
Established1980
Organisation(s)World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association
FormatRanking
Final year2023
Final championMark Selby

History edit

The tournament started as the Wilsons Classic in January 1980. It was an eight-man invitation event recorded by Granada Television. John Spencer defeated Alex Higgins 4–3 in the final to become the inaugural champion. The second event was held in December the same year, with Steve Davis defeating Dennis Taylor 4–1 in the final.[1]

In 1982, the Russian automobile manufacturer Lada became the sponsor of the event and it was renamed to Lada Classic. Steve Davis made the first televised maximum break (147) in his quarter-finals match against John Spencer.[1][2] Terry Griffiths won in the final 9–8 against Steve Davis. In 1983 the field was expanded to 16 players and moved to the Spectrum Arena in Warrington.[1] Bill Werbeniuk reached the only final of his career, but lost 9–5 against Steve Davis.

In 1984, the event was granted ranking status. Steve Davis met Tony Meo in the final. Davis was level at 8 frames each with Tony Meo and only the colours were left in the deciding frame. As Meo lined up on the yellow, a spectator yelled out "Come on, Tony!". Although Meo took time to compose himself after the shout, he missed the yellow and Davis cleared the colours to win.[1]

Mercantile Credit took over the sponsorship for the 1985 and the event was renamed Mercantile Credit Classic. Willie Thorne won the only ranking tournament of his career, by beating Cliff Thorburn 13–8 in the final. In 1986 Jimmy White won his first ranking tournament by defeating Thorburn 13–12 in the final. In 1987 the event moved to the Norbreck Castle Hotel in Blackpool, but only just the last 16 played in the final stages, as the opening rounds were played earlier in the season. Steve Davis won in the final 13–12 against Jimmy White. Davis won the event the following year, this time defeating John Parrott 13–11.[1]

In 1989, Doug Mountjoy won his second consecutive ranking tournament, having previously won the UK Championship, by defeating Wayne Jones 13–11. The following year was a tournament of upsets, as only of four of the top sixteen players reached its seeded place. Steve James won his only ranking tournament by defeating Warren King 10–6 in the final.[1] The tournament moved to the Bournemouth International Centre in 1991. Stephen Hendry reached the final of the tournament in 1991 and 1992, but lost 4–10 against Jimmy White and 8–9 against Steve Davis respectively. After the 1992 event, it was discontinued and replaced with the Welsh Open.[1]

Winners edit

Year Winner Runner-up Final score Venue Season
The Classic (non-ranking)
1980 (Jan)   John Spencer   Alex Higgins 4–3 Manchester, England 1979/80
1980 (Dec)   Steve Davis   Dennis Taylor 4–1 Bolton, England 1980/81
1982   Terry Griffiths   Steve Davis 9–8 Oldham, England 1981/82
1983   Steve Davis   Bill Werbeniuk 9–5 Warrington, England 1982/83
The Classic (ranking)
1984   Steve Davis   Tony Meo 9–8 Warrington, England 1983/84
1985   Willie Thorne   Cliff Thorburn 13–8 1984/85
1986   Jimmy White   Cliff Thorburn 13–12 1985/86
1987   Steve Davis   Jimmy White 13–12 Blackpool, England 1986/87
1988   Steve Davis   John Parrott 13–11 1987/88
1989   Doug Mountjoy   Wayne Jones 13–11 1988/89
1990   Steve James   Warren King 10–6 1989/90
1991   Jimmy White   Stephen Hendry 10–4 Bournemouth, England 1990/91
1992   Steve Davis   Stephen Hendry 9–8 1991/92
WST Classic (ranking)
2023   Mark Selby   Pang Junxu 6–2 Leicester, England 2022/23

Sources:[1][3]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Turner, Chris. "Classic". cajt.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk. Chris Turner's Snooker Archive. Archived from the original on 16 February 2012. Retrieved 18 March 2011.
  2. ^ "Snooker World Records". Snooker.org. 28 April 2009. Archived from the original on 28 April 2010. Retrieved 19 May 2009.
  3. ^ "Classic". Snooker Scene. Archived from the original on 24 January 2013. Retrieved 9 June 2014.