ROBERT READ has his sights firmly fixed on re-writing the history books tonight when he takes on Trevor Liversidge in the Huddersfield Open Snooker Championship at Newsome WMC (7.30).
Victory for Lindley WMC player Read on Friday the 13th will bring him a 13th League crown, and see him become the most successful player in the history of the game in Huddersfield, eclipsing the late Tommy Donlan’s 12 titles.
It is by no means a foregone conclusion, however, as Liversidge, from Golcar Con, has also won the title on two previous occasions, the last coming in 2006 when he defeated Read in the final.
Undeniably, the likeable Liversidge would have won far more titles himself had it not been for Read, who has proved he is the best snooker player the town has ever produced.
When Donlan was at his peak, from the 60s to 80s, it was largely a two-horse race between himself and Denis Rourke, who also lifted the title eight times, with the odd incursion by Brian Cousen, Paul Heywood, Peter Hirst and Philip Gash.
But in Read’s case, he has had to fight off the considerable challenges posed by Liversidge, Rob Armitage, Kuldesh Johal, Craig Butler, Mick Stocks, Dale Oakes (all of whom have won the title at some point), along with other highly-rated players such as Naeem, Jon Bastow, Jason McMahon, Tim Moore, Dean Poutney, Simon Stockwell and many others.
Tonight’s clash brings the SMileS Huddersfield Billiards and Snooker League fortnight to a climax.
