DATING back to the early 1800’s, the sport of billiards is very much alive and Jersey were able to witness some of the finest players in the world show off their skills at The Jersey Mechanics Institute, a venue that itself was founded in 1902.
The top-five players in the world were all in attendance for the Jersey Open World Billiards tournament.
Last held in 2022, this year’s instalment carried level 5 ranking event status for the very first time, such was the class in the 40-strong field of cueists.
Jersey Billiards and Snooker Association are certainly celebrating their centenary year in style, welcoming snooker legend Jimmy White to the Island, before playing host to the World Billiards event in the space of a couple of weeks.
Legend of the billiards world and nine-time World Champion David Causier took the crown, at the expense of Robert Hall, who himself has won 14 world ranking events over his decorated career.
It has been a fruitful spell for the Englishman, following wins at both the Irish Open and World Matchplay.
Causier finished on 619 compared to Hall’s 451 in the allotted time.
He was the second seed, behind reigning world champion Peter Gilchrist and blew his opponents out of the water in the group phase, securing his four contests by a incredible aggregate scoreline of 4,175–293.
Causier comfortably negotiated his way past Austrian Martin Schmidt, before victories over Nathan Mann and fourth seed Peter Sheehan set up a title match with Hall, who himself had enjoyed a fantastic tournament, including taking the scalp of Gilchrist in the semi-final.
Naturally, between two red-hot players, the final was an engrossing one.
After Causier took command, Hall recorded a 259 break to stay afloat, but the champion was unflappable, with a solid 374 break and a further unfinished visit of 143 to seal the win.
President of the Jersey Billiards and Snooker Association, Byron Le Cornu said to have so many of the world’s great players in the sport come to Jersey was “special”.
“We felt so fortunate to have the top five players in the world on the Island,” said Le Cornu.
“Obviously the standard of play over here is far below what these guys can produce, but to see them in the flesh and the talent they possess with a cue is really special.”
Le Cornu, playing himself, felt the wrath of winner Causier first hand, falling 1027–85.
“He is so talented,” added the JBSA president.
“I had a couple of opportunities, but they were few and far between. This year marked our first ever hosting of a level 5 ranked event and to attain that in our centenary year was excellent. We do get away and meet these players, so we are aware of the talent they possess.
“But the whole atmosphere around the tournament was lovely. The billiards family is very close-knit and all of the matches were played in a great spirit which highlighted that.”
To put the sheer class on display into perspective, Le Cornu stated that Jersey have had players that have mustered breaks of 200 in the past, while Causier managed a cool 686 in his semi-final demolition job of Sheehan.
Caesarean Karl Le Fevre picked up two wins in his Group G matches, while Martyn le Gallais defeated Ian Dennis of England in one of his Group D duels.
JBSA’s centenary celebrations do not stop here however, with the hosting of an English Billiards Association event in September, which will be ran by billiards stalwart Clive Scott, set to make his last appearance leading the event, after 18 years of attending the Island.
