1980 Classic (1979/1980)

The 1980 Wilson's Classic (January) was the inaugural edition of the professional invitational snooker tournament, which took place on 7 and 8 January 1980. The tournament was played at the New Century Hall in Manchester, and featured eight professional players.

Wilson's Classic
Tournament information
Dates7–8 January 1980 (1980-01-07 – 1980-01-08)
VenueNew Century Hall
CityManchester
CountryEngland
OrganisationWPBSA
FormatNon-Ranking event
Total prize fund£8,900
Winner's share£3,000[1]
Highest breakNorthern Ireland Alex Higgins (75)
Final
ChampionEngland John Spencer
Runner-upNorthern Ireland Alex Higgins
Score4–3
← First
1980 (December) →

John Spencer won the tournament, beating Alex Higgins 4–3 in the final.[2] A second Classic was staged in 1980 in December with Steve Davis winning the title.

Higgins made the highest break of the tournament, 75, during the final.[1]

Main draw

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[3][1]

Quarter-finals
Best of 3 frames
Semi-finals
Best of 3 frames
Final
Best of 7 frames
  Terry Griffiths 2
  Jim Meadowcroft 0   Terry Griffiths 0
  Alex Higgins 2   Alex Higgins 2
  Dennis Taylor 0   Alex Higgins 3
  John Spencer 2   John Spencer 4
  Graham Miles 0   John Spencer 2
  John Virgo 2   John Virgo 0
  Doug Mountjoy 0

Final

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Final: Best of 7 frames. Referee: Jim Thorpe.
New Century Hall, Manchester, England, 8 January 1980.
Alex Higgins
  Northern Ireland
3–4 John Spencer
  England
46–64, 50–51, 102–39, 97(75)–19, 70 (52)–26, 29–67, 90(52)–30
75 Highest break 52
0 Century breaks 0
2 50+ breaks 1

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Spencer beats Higgins to win Wilson's Classic". Snooker Scene. February 1980. pp. 16–17.
  2. ^ "Wilson's Classic, Lada Classic, Mercantile Credit Classic". Chris Turner's Snooker Archive. Archived from the original on 16 February 2012. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
  3. ^ "1980 Mercantile Credit Classic Results Grid". Snooker Database. Archived from the original on 29 July 2021. Retrieved 18 January 2018.