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]
| Tournament information | |
|---|---|
| Dates | 11 to 13 December 1972 |
| Venue | Stanley Institute |
| City | Burscough |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Organisation | WPBSA |
| Format | Non-Ranking event |
| Total prize fund | £400 |
| Highest break | 114,  Alex Higgins (NIR) |
| Final | |
| Champion | Alex Higgins (NIR) |
| Runner-up |  John Pulman (ENG) |
| Score | 4–2 |
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
editResults for the tournament are shown below.[1]
| Semi-finals | Final | |||||
| 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
edit- ^ a b c d "Higgins in top gear at Ford tournament". Snooker Scene. February 1973. p. 9.
- ^ a b "Higgins in a Hurry". Liverpool Echo. 7 December 1972. p. 27.
- ^ "Snooker venue makes Stan see Red". Skelmersdale Reporter. 6 December 1972. p. 7.
- ^ "Higgins in top form". Belfast News-Letter. 12 December 1972. p. 12.