February 18, 2024

today's featured article

tournament was named in his memory in 2018.

Contents

Early years and amateur snooker career edit

John Spencer was born on 18 September 1935 at Bealey Maternity Home in Radcliffe, Lancashire, the youngest child of William Spencer, a night watchman and bookkeeper's runner, and his wife Annie, née Bleakley.[3] He attended Stand Grammar School for Boys in Whitefield.[3] He first played snooker on a makeshift table using tape for cushions and nails to mark out the pockets, before being introduced by his father to playing snooker on a full-sized table when aged 14.[2] He compiled his first century break at age 15.[2] He was conscripted to National Service at age 18.[2]

After completing three years of compulsory service in the RAF,[4] Spencer tried out various jobs, including labourer, van driver and betting shop settler,[5] and showed no interest in playing snooker for over ten years. Reintroduced to the sport by an old friend, he opted to take up snooker again at the age of 29.[2][6] His first tournament was the 1964 English Amateur Snooker Championship, where he finished runner-up to Ray Reardon; the following year, he lost to Pat Houlihan in the final of the same event.[7] Spencer lifted the trophy at his third attempt, in 1966, after an 11–5 victory over Marcus Owen in the final.[8]

He married Margot Sawbridge in 1969. The couple separated in the 1980s, but did not divorce and remained good friends for the rest of Spencer's life.[4]

Professional snooker career edit

1967–1971: First two world titles edit

Spencer took on professional status in February 1967, becoming the first UK player to do so since Rex Williams in 1951.[9] Spencer was encouraged to turn professional because of the income he could expect to earn from performing regular exhibition matches for the National Spastics Society at £14 a time (equivalent to £270 in 2021), and at Pontins holiday camps during the summer season for a weekly fee of £20, to be increased to £50 a week the following year.[10][11] His amateur rivals, Gary Owen and Reardon, turned professional in September and December 1967, respectively.[12][13]

In 1957, the professional world snooker title had passed to John Pulman, and he had retained it through a series of challenge matches from 1964 to 1968.[14] After touring snooker clubs in promotion of the tobacco brand John Player, Pulman had secured sponsorship from the company for his world title challenge against Eddie Charlton in March 1968.[14] The good attendances for this match led to John Player's decision to sponsor the 1969 World Championship as a knockout format tournament.[15] Four of the eight entrants—Spencer, Reardon, Gary Owen and Bernard Bennett—were World Championship debutants; the other four—Pulman, Williams, Fred Davis and Jackie Rea—had played professionally since at least the 1950s.[16] For the entry fee, Spencer took out a bank loan of £100 (equivalent to £1,845 in 2021).[17] He was drawn against Pulman, the defending champion, whom he had recently defeated 17–14 in a non-title challenge match.[18] In November 1968, Spencer eliminated Pulman 25–18 in the opening match of the tournament,[19] before defeating Williams 37–12 in the semi-finals.[a][20][21]

The best-of-73-frames final between Spencer and Owen was held at Victoria Halls in London, from 17 to 22 March 1969.[22] Spencer developed a 6–2 lead in the first session, but Owen took the next four frames to level the match at 6–6. The correspondent for the Birmingham Daily Post praised the players for bringing a "refreshing new look to the game, with bold attacking play, wonderful potting and a sprinkling of good-sized breaks".[23] Both players missed easy pots at the start of the second day, sharing the first two frames for 7–7; Spencer won the next four to lead 11–7 by the interval, and added four of the subsequent six frames to extend his lead to 15–9.[24][25] Maintaining his six-frame advantage, he ended the third day's play 21–15 ahead.[26] Owen closed slightly to 19–23 on the fourth day,[27] but Spencer then won four of the six frames in the evening session to end the day six frames ahead again, at 27–21.[25] By the close of play on the fifth day, he was just one frame from victory at 36–24.[28] Spencer took the opening frame on the final day to claim the world title with a winning margin of 37–24.[b][29] His prize money was £1,780 (equivalent to £31,168 in 2021).[11]

Snooker historian Clive Everton later wrote of Spencer's performance in the 1969 World Championship final:[16]

"the new champion's display was a revelation. His long potting, his prodigious screw shots even when cue-ball and object-ball were seven or eight feet apart, his uninhibited use of side, his bright attacking style, even the mere fact that here was a bright new face, made Spencer's win a memorable one."

At the 1970 World Championship, Spencer defeated the veteran Irish Professional Champion, Jackie Rea, 31–15, but then lost his semi-final 33–37 to Reardon, who claimed his first world title.[30] The 1971 World Championship was in fact held in late 1970, and took place in Sydney, Australia. After surviving an incomplete round-robin stage, Spencer decisively eliminated Reardon 34–15 in the semi-finals before defeating Warren Simpson 37–29 in the final to regain the world title.[31] During the final match, he compiled three century breaks over the course of four frames.[32] Between 1969 and 1978, the only three players able to defeat Spencer in World Championship matches were Reardon, Higgins and Perrie Mans; and from 1973 to 1977, he did not lose a match at the World Championship by more than two frames.[33]

Spencer gained some valuable TV exposure by appearing on the BBC's Pot Black series. He won the tournament in 1970—reversing his defeat by Reardon in the 1969 final—and again in 1971, when he beat Fred Davis in the final. He claimed the highest break prize in 1972, finished runner-up to Graham Miles in 1974, and won again in 1976, becoming the first three-time Pot Black champion.[34] In 1971 and 1972, he appeared in four events sponsored by Park Drive cigarettes, known collectively as the Park Drive 2000. Each separate event featured four invited professionals who took part in a triple round-robin contest (playing nine matches each), and the top two players then competed in a final match. Spencer won three of the Park Drive events and reached the final of the fourth, narrowly losing 3–4 to Reardon.[35] In 1971, he won the Stratford Professional with a 5–2 victory over David Taylor.[36]

1972–1976: The resurgence of snooker in Britain edit

The 1972 World Championship final was pivotal in the rise of snooker as one of Britain's most popular sports.[11] Defending his second world title, Spencer eliminated Fred Davis 31–21 and Charlton 37–32, before facing championship debutant Alex Higgins in the final.[37] Dominic Sandbrook wrote in 2019 that the final was contested under "risibly ramshackle conditions".[38] The spectators were seated on wooden boards supported on beer barrels.[39] There was a miners' strike in progress at the time, giving rise to power shortages; in the absence of normal power, the first evening session was conducted with reduced lighting provided by a mobile generator.[37] The week-long final was closely balanced until Higgins won the Thursday evening session 6–0, creating a gap in the scores that Spencer seemed unlikely to overcome. Higgins proceeded to take the match 37–31.[40][c]

Spencer made no excuses for his defeat, even though he was feeling exhausted and ill after a major tour of Canada, had been trapped in a lift ahead of one of the sessions, and involved in a minor car crash on the way to another.[42] In his 2005 memoir, he pointed out that he thought Higgins had produced the better snooker in the 1972 world final and had won the match "fair and square".[43] He was also willing to accept that Higgins's win had attracted more sponsorship and promotions, and a greater degree of media interest than if he himself had won the championship.[44] Later the same year, Spencer relinquished another of his titles to Higgins, losing 3–6 in the final of the Stratford Professional tournament.[45]

In 1973 and 1974, the British insurance company Norwich Union sponsored an invitational snooker tournament containing a mix of professional and amateur players. Spencer won both events: in 1973, he defeated Higgins 8–2 in the semi-finals and Pulman 8–7 in the final; and in 1974, he beat Cliff Thorburn 9–7 in the semi-finals and Reardon 10–9 in the final.[46] His 1974 victory came weeks after his cue had been broken into several pieces in a traffic collision and had needed to be repaired.[47][44][48] He was runner-up in the two inaugural Pontins events, which both took place in 1974.[49] He lost the Open final 4–7 to amateur Doug Mountjoy, having conceded a handicap of 25 points per frame (due to his professional status), and was runner-up in the Professional event to Reardon, after recovering from 4–9 behind to force a deciding frame.[49] A further sign of snooker's growing popularity came when sports betting company Ladbrokes held a gala evening at London's Café Royal towards the end of 1973, to celebrate the firm's £8,000 investment into the sport in the 1973–74 season. Spencer took the £150 first prize with a 3–2 win over Ray Edmonds.[50] In late 1974, he won the Jackpot Automatics tournament (a minor eight-player invitational) with a 5–0 whitewash of Higgins in the final.[51]

Spencer's good form during this period was not translated into a third world title. At the 1973 World Championship, after showing decisive form in defeating David Taylor 16–5 and Williams 16–7, he lost by a single frame to Reardon in the semi-finals, 22–23;[52] in 1974, after suffering from a dose of influenza, he lost his opening match 13–15 to Mans (whom he next met at the World Championship in 1978 with the same outcome). Spencer won the 1974 'plate' competition—for those knocked out in the first and second rounds of the main tournament—and recorded six centuries in the process of defeating David Greaves 5–1, Dennis Taylor 9–4, Jim Meadowcroft 9–3, and Pulman 15–5 in the final.[53][54]

In January 1975, Spencer won the inaugural Masters event, held at the West Centre Hotel in Fulham, West London. He eliminated Pulman 5–3 and Charlton 5–2, before defeating Reardon 9–8 in the final.[55] After trailing 6–8, Spencer levelled at 8–8 and took the deciding frame on a re-spotted black.[56] Early the same year, he won the invitational Ashton Court Country Club event, defeating Higgins 5–1 in front of a sellout crowd in the final, as well as taking the highest break prize.[57] He lost 2–5 to Higgins in the final of the Castle Open pro-am, held at Bernard Bennett's Castle Club in Southampton at the end of the year.[58]

There was a degree of controversy over Spencer's elimination from the 1975 World Championship. With the tournament staged in Australia and organised by Charlton, Spencer found himself in the same half of the draw as both Reardon and Higgins, meaning that all of the previous World Champions since 1969 were in one half of the draw and Charlton was in the other. Additionally, Spencer was placed eighth in the organisational seedings, which resulted in his meeting Reardon in the quarter-finals. At the time, both players considered it to be the best match they had yet played against one another, but despite recording two centuries in the first four frames and leading 17–16, Spencer lost the match 17–19.[59][60] The following year, Spencer experienced an even narrower defeat at the same stage in the 1976 World Championship. After eliminating David Taylor 15–5, and making the highest break of the tournament, 138, in the process,[61] he lost to Higgins in the quarter-finals 14–15.[62] He won the Canadian Open later the same year, defeating John Virgo 9–4 in the semi-finals and Higgins 17–9 in the final to claim the $5,000 prize.[63]

1977–1980: Third world title and first unofficial 147 break edit

Spencer won his third world title in 1977, the first year that the World Snooker Championship was held at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. Seeded eighth, he defeated Virgo 13–9 (having trailed 1–4 earlier in the match), Reardon 13–6, Pulman 18–16, and Thorburn 25–21 (recovering from an 11–15 deficit) in the final, to claim the winner's prize of £6,000.[64][65][66] This was the last time he would seriously challenge for the world title, and he never again progressed beyond the last-16 stage of the tournament.[33] He followed his World Championship victory by winning the Pontins Professional title, defeating Pulman 7–5 in the final.[64] In September, he again faced Higgins in the final of the Canadian Open, but lost his title 14–17.[64] The tournament was played inside a "big top" circus tent, alongside a traditional circus setup. The conditions were so hot and humid that an accumulation of moisture inside Spencer's breast pocket caused his chalk to snap in half when he tried to use it.[67]

In the spring of 1978, he won the inaugural Irish Masters at Goffs Sales Room in County Kildare, beating Mountjoy 5–3 in the final.[68] He was undefeated in the group stages of the Pontins Professional tournament, winning all five of his matches, before losing 2–7 to Reardon in the final.[64] Spencer warmed up for the 1978 World Championship by winning the Castle Club Professional event, with a 5–3 victory over Higgins in the final.[69] However, he lost his opening World Championship match to Mans, 8–13, despite earlier compiling a 118 break to develop a 3–1 lead. After beginning the final session with a break of 138—which later proved to be the highest of the championship—he then failed to win another frame. The high break prize doubled Spencer's total earnings from the tournament to £1,000.[70]

In January 1979, at the Holsten Lager International, Spencer completed the first ever 147 maximum break in tournament play. Having already taken the first three frames of his quarter-final match against Cliff Thorburn, he compiled a maximum in the fourth. Thames Television were resting their TV crew after filming the previous match between Alex Higgins and David Taylor, so the historic moment was not captured by the TV cameras. Although documented as the first maximum break at a tournament, Spencer's 147 remains unofficial because it could not be verified; the tables at the event had pockets that were not checked against specification using official templates. Spencer won the tournament, defeating Rex Williams 6–2 in the semi-finals and Graham Miles 11–7 in the final. As well as his £3,500 first prize, the sponsors awarded Spencer an additional £500 for the unofficial maximum.[71][d] Three years later, on 11 January 1982, when Steve Davis made the first televised 147 break at the Lada Classic tournament in Oldham's Queen Elizabeth Hall, Spencer was his onlooking opponent. The maximum was compiled in the fifth frame of their quarter-final match when the scores had been poised at two frames each.[73]

In February 1979, Spencer won the Garware Paints Invitational event in Bombay, which at the time was the biggest tournament yet staged in India. He defeated India's Arvind Savur 6–1, Patsy Fagan 6–4, Miles 6–5, and Thorburn 6–3 in the final, to take the £2,000 first prize and another £200 for the highest break (108), also claiming the 'Man of the Series' award.[74] He reached the semi-finals of the Irish Masters in early 1979, losing 2–3 to Reardon, after making the highest break of the tournament (121) at the group stage. He was runner-up in the 1979 Forward Chemicals Tournament, an extended event that used the old Park Drive 2000 format; Spencer lost to Reardon in the final 6–9.[75][76] In January 1980, at the first of two Wilson's Classic invitational events, Spencer won £3,000—which at the time was a record for a two-day event.[77] Broadcast by Granada TV, the final included a push-shot incident declared by the referee, Jim Thorpe, against Spencer's opponent Higgins,[78] who was fined £200 for his reaction to the controversial decision.[79] Spencer also won the 1980 Winfield Australian Masters, beating Dennis Taylor on aggregate in the final.[80]

1981–1986: Later years and declining health edit

Spencer's 10–9 first-round victory over Edmonds at the 1981 World Championship was his first success at the tournament since claiming the title in 1977. He lost to Reardon in the second round, 11–13, after leading 3–0 and 7–5.[81] This was the last time the two players faced each other in a World Championship match.[33] In 1981, Spencer was part of the first English team to win the World Cup. Crucially, he defeated Terry Griffiths in the final with the aid of a 103 break, the Welsh player having not lost any of his matches prior to that stage in the competition. Steve Davis then secured victory against Reardon in the tie-break to win the title and the £12,000 prize money.[82] Spencer paired up with Reardon for the first two World Doubles Championships. In 1982, they lost 2–6 to Jimmy White and Tony Knowles in the quarter-finals;[83] and in 1983, they lost 0–5 to Thorburn and Virgo, also in the quarter-finals.[84] The partnership ended when Spencer believed he would be unable to play in the 1984 event due to problems with his vision, and advised Reardon to seek another playing partner. However, a few days later Spencer felt that his medication had improved his symptoms sufficiently that he could play, and he partnered with Knowles, whose own former team-mate White had decided to ally with Higgins.[85]

In April 1982, in the semi-finals of the Highland Masters in Inverness, Spencer achieved a 6–0 whitewash against Higgins (who lifted the world title just four weeks later), before losing 4–11 to Reardon in the final. Spencer took the highest break prize with an effort of 119.[86] That year's World Championship produced a number of upsets and the loss of the top three seeds in round one. Despite a strong performance in defeating John Dunning 10–4 in the first round, Spencer was unable to profit from the more open draw. After keeping pace with Willie Thorne 3–3 in round two, his form deteriorated and he lost the match 5–13.[87] At the end of 1982, Spencer finally won a match in the UK Championship, having lost in the first round every year since the inaugural tournament in 1977. He defeated Eddie Sinclair 9–8 and eliminated Knowles 9–6, before losing to Higgins 5–9 in the quarter-finals.[88]

In 1983, Spencer defeated Reardon 5–3 and David Taylor 5–2 in the first two rounds of the Lada Classic, securing a cheque for £6,000 (equal to the amount he had received for winning the 1977 World Championship). In the semi-finals, he led Steve Davis 3–1, then 4–2, and gained a 45–29 advantage in the deciding frame, but Davis clinched the match.[89] At the 1983 World Championship, Spencer eliminated Mike Hallett 10–7 in the first round before facing Charlton in the second. After taking a 4–0 lead, his intensity waned and, despite a break of 106, he allowed Charlton to pull ahead 12–7. Spencer fought back to win four consecutive frames but, on the verge of levelling at 12–12, he went in-off and subsequently lost the match 11–13.[90]

Spencer's later career was blighted by the ocular version of myasthenia gravis, with symptoms including double vision. He first noticed a problem when he felt unwell at the Pontin's Professional tournament in 1984.[91][e] He later wrote that when the news broke in the press about his condition, only two players sent personal messages to him; one was Thorburn, the other Higgins, who turned up at Spencer's house with a bottle of Bacardi rum but drank it himself as Spencer was not allowed any alcohol at this stage.[92]

He failed to secure the 1984 Pontins Professional title, losing 7–9 to Willie Thorne in the final.[93] During the 1984 World Championship, he defeated Miles 10–3 in the first round and held top seed Steve Davis to 4–6 in round two, before falling behind and losing 5–13.[94] The Miles match was Spencer's last victory at the Crucible.[33] He won only one ranking match during the 1984–85 season, when he whitewashed Frank Jonik 6–0 in the Dulux British Open.[95][96] He narrowly lost in the 1984 Pot Black final to Griffiths.[97] Spencer's condition made him susceptible to eye strain under bright TV lighting; when he competed in the 1985 Pontins Professional event under ordinary shaded lighting, he once again reached the final, but lost 7–9 to Griffiths.[98] This would prove to be his last notable tournament final.[99]

Ahead of the 1986 World Championship, Spencer journeyed to Scotland for some concentrated practice which helped him to qualify for the main stage of the tournament, where he met Higgins in the first round. Higgins led 8–2 and eventually won by a reduced margin at 10–7.[100] This was the last time Spencer appeared at the Crucible as a participant in the World Snooker Championship. Sports writer Gordon Burn relates that part of Spencer's time practising in Scotland included playing a young Stephen Hendry. After two money-match defeats, Spencer had proposed that they wear casual clothes for the next match, to which Hendry agreed, and Spencer subsequently won their third encounter 6–4. Hendry told his father afterwards that he thought he had been set up, saying "[Spencer] knew that if I was dressed casually, I'd play casually."[101]

1987–1997: Retirement and final years edit

After falling to a career-low 34th in the world rankings for the 1986–87 season,[33] Spencer made a break of 129 in defeating Terry Whitthread 5–2 at the British Open in February 1987. In the final stages of this event, he defeated then-World Champion Joe Johnson 5–3 to reach the quarter-finals. He compiled a century in his last-eight match against White, and captured the sixth frame after requiring six snookers. Despite losing the match 3–5, Spencer enjoyed his highest ever snooker payday with a cheque for £9,000 (equivalent to £26,932 in 2021).[102] He achieved a 5–0 victory over Fred Davis in the 1988 British Open, followed by a 5–0 win over Dennis Taylor, but lost 4–5 in the fifth round to Rex Williams.[95]

Spencer used steroids to reduce the symptoms of his illness, but their effectiveness was inconsistent.[11] He eliminated Ken Owers 10–8 in the 1990 World Championship qualifiers,[103] before proving a tough test in the fourth round for rising star James Wattana, who sealed a 10–8 victory by winning the penultimate frame on the final black and the last frame on the pink.[104] At the 1991 World Championship, he lost 4–10 to Ray Edmonds in his first qualifying match, giving Edmonds a long-awaited victory over Spencer in a rivalry that stretched back to the 1965 English Amateur Championship.[105]

Despite indicating a strong desire to keep playing into the 1991–92 season, and stating an intention to enter all of the events on the calendar,[105] Spencer was too ill to compete in the first six events after a worsening of his condition in June 1991.[106] He kept his playing hopes alive by joining the management group of Six Colours Promotions in February 1992, hoping that this might provide him with a much-needed 'morale boost'. Also involved was then-World Champion John Parrott, whom Spencer had advised ahead of his successful 1991 World Championship campaign.[107] Although well enough to play in the remaining four ranking events of the season, he was only able to win a single frame (against Euan Henderson in the British Open).[108] In his last appearance at the World Championship in 1992, he scored just 207 points against Bjorn L'Orange in the second round of qualifying, losing the match 0–10.[109][110]

Spencer retired from professional competition in 1992,[5] but continued to perform in exhibition matches. In his 2005 autobiography, he expressed his gratitude to Stephen Hendry's manager, Ian Doyle, for arranging some exhibitions for him after he had stepped down as chairman of the WPBSA. He then began to have trouble with the veins in his legs, leading to problems with mobility.[111] He took part in Seniors Pot Black in 1997, losing to Dennis Taylor. Spencer later wrote that he had been suffering from severe depression caused by his illness at the time of this particular match.[112]

Playing style and legacy edit

Professional snooker was dominated in the 1970s by two rival players: Spencer and Reardon.[5] Spencer played down talk of a friendship between the two, and stated that they never socialised together. He referred to Reardon as "the sort of person who could laugh 24 hours a day if it was to his advantage."[113]

Spencer was one of the first major professional snooker players to use a two-piece cue,[5] and the first to win the World Championship with a two-piece (in 1977).[6] This particular cue was given to him by Al Selinger of the Dufferin Cue Company during Spencer's victorious run in the 1976 Canadian Open. He chose not to make immediate use of the new cue but began using it in the run-up to the 1977 World Championship.[114][115] He changed his cue again a few months later, this time opting for a two-piece made in Japan.[116]

Spencer's cue action included an unusually long backswing which gave him immense cue power, allowing him to develop long-distance shots using deep screw and maximum side spin.[11] Everton wrote that in his early career, Spencer "had an attractive, attacking style based on long potting, prodigious screw shots [...] and the kind of confidence usually seen only in a much younger man."[6] Williams and Gadsby commented that Spencer was distinctive for his "immense zest for the sport and his perfection of a stroke few could master – the deep screw shot",[117] and his "fine judgement of lethal long-range pots, a tactic [...] considered fairly risky at the time and nothing like as common as it is today."[118] Spencer's obituarist in the Daily Telegraph wrote that despite his cue power, "his unflappable temperament was perhaps his greatest asset."[5]

In 2018, the WPBSA announced that the World Seniors Masters trophy was being named the John Spencer Trophy in his memory.[119]

Non-playing career and personal life edit

In 1973, Cassell published Spencer's instructional book, Spencer on Snooker, in which he also gave his opinions on the strengths and weaknesses of other leading professional snooker players.[120][f] A revised version, edited by Everton, was published in 1986 as Snooker in the Teach Yourself book series.[122][g]

Following his defeat by Mans in the 1978 World Championship, Spencer was invited by producer and Question of Sport creator Nick Hunter to try his hand at snooker commentary for the BBC, a task that he enjoyed for the next 19 years.[11][72] He featured in a televised pro-am golf show in 1980,[123] and guested on the quiz show Pot the Question on BBC1 in 1984.[124] He opened a snooker club in Bolton called "Spencer's" in 1985,[125] and another in the same town the following year.[126] In 1987, he and his wife Margot agreed to separate after 18 years of marriage.[126]

Spencer appeared in three episodes of the snooker-themed show Big Break—in 1991,[127] 1992,[128] and 1997.[129] Despite his poor health, he chaired the WPBSA for seven years; he resigned in November 1996, completing a 25-year tenure on the governing board.[130] Poor health also led to his departure from the role of commentator in 1998. In his memoirs, he recalled struggling through the role before retiring back to his hotel room, and he related that he was deeply moved by the kindness of fellow commentators Ted Lowe and Ray Edmonds.[131]

Diagnosed with stomach cancer in early 2003,[132] Spencer refused to undergo chemotherapy, choosing to enjoy the rest of his life without its side effects.[125][133] He attended the Crucible in May 2005 for the Parade of Champions, which took place before the final session of the 2005 World Championship final.[133][134] Despite his ill health, he took part in a sponsored parachute jump in 2005 to raise funds for the Myasthenia Gravis Association.[125][135] The same year, his autobiography Out of the Blue – Into the Black was published.[11][136] Everton concluded his review of the book with: "After a long spell of obscurity, Snooker needed new heroes and in that small cast he was at the forefront. He has an honourable place in Snooker's history."[11]: 6

Spencer's later years were spent with his new partner, Jean Shepherd, while he also remained amicable with his wife Margot.[2][4] He died on 11 July 2006 in a hospice near Bolton, aged 70, from the effects of stomach cancer.[2][11][137]

Performance and rankings timelines edit

Performance and ranking timeline for John Spencer

1968/69

1969/70

1970/71

1971/72

1972/73

1973/74

1974/75

1975/76

1976/77

1977/78

1978/79

1979/80

1980/81

1981/82

1982/83

1983/84

1984/85

1985/86

1986/87

1987/88

1988/89

1989/90

1990/91

1991/92

1992/93

1993/94

Ref.

Ranking

No ranking system

155

296

[138][139]

Ranking tournament performances for John Spencer

Tournament

1968/69

1969/70

1970/71

1971/72

1972/73

1973/74

1974/75

1975/76

1976/77

1977/78

1978/79

1979/80

1980/81

1981/82

1982/83

1983/84

1984/85

1985/86

1986/87

1987/88

1988/89

1989/90

1990/91

1991/92

Ref.

Hong Kong Open[h]

Tournament Not Held

Non-Ranking Event

Not Held

[140]

Dubai Classic[i]

Tournament Not Held

[95]

International Open[j]

Tournament Not Held

Not Held

[140]

Grand Prix[k]

Tournament Not Held

[99]

Canadian Masters[l]

Tournament Not Held

Non-Ranking

Tournament Not Held

Non-Ranking

Not Held

[140]

UK Championship

Tournament Not Held

Non-Ranking Event

[99]

Classic

Tournament Not Held

Non-Ranking Event

[99]

Asian Open[m]

Tournament Not Held

Non-Ranking Event

Not Held

[99]

British Open[n]

Tournament Not Held

Non-Ranking Event

[140]

European Open

Tournament Not Held

[140]

World Championship

Non-Ranking Event

[140]

Non-ranking tournament performances for John Spencer

Tournament

1968/69

1969/70

1970/71

1971/72

1972/73

1973/74

1974/75

1975/76

1976/77

1977/78

1978/79

1979/80

1980/81

1981/82

1982/83

1983/84

1984/85

1985/86

1986/87

1987/88

1988/89

1989/90

1990/91

1991/92

Ref.

World Championship

Ranking Event

[64]

Pot Black

Tournament Not Held

[147]

The Masters

Tournament Not Held

[140]

Irish Masters[o]

Tournament Not Held

[140]

Professional Snooker League

Tournament Not Held

7th

Not Held

[150]

Pontins Professional

Tournament Not Held

[140]

Park Drive 2000 (Spring)

Not Held

Tournament Not Held

[35]

Stratford Professional

Not Held

Tournament Not Held

[36][45]

Park Drive 2000 (Autumn)

Not Held

Tournament Not Held

[35]

Men of the Midlands

Not Held

Tournament Not Held

[151][152]

World Masters

Tournament Not Held

[153]

Norwich Union Open

Tournament Not Held

[46]

Watney Open

Tournament Not Held

[140]

Canadian Club Masters

Tournament Not Held

[140]

Dry Blackthorn Cup

Tournament Not Held

[154]

Holsten Lager International

Tournament Not Held

[71]

Forward Chemicals Tournament

Tournament Not Held

[155]

Limosin International

Tournament Not Held

[35]

Padmore Super Crystalate

Tournament Not Held

[156]

Bombay International

Tournament Not Held

[157][158]

Canadian Masters[l]

Tournament Not Held

Not Held

[140]

International Open[j]

Tournament Not Held

Ranking Event

Not Held

[140]

Highland Masters

Tournament Not Held

[159][86]

Classic

Tournament Not Held

Ranking Event

[78][160]

Pontins Brean Sands

Tournament Not Held

[161]

Australian Masters[h]

Tournament Not Held

Not Held

[80][163][164]

UK Championship

Tournament Not Held

Ranking Event

[140]

British Open[n]

Tournament Not Held

Ranking Event

[140]

KitKat Break for World Champions

Tournament Not Held

[165]

English Professional Championship

Tournament Not Held

Not Held

[95]

European Grand Masters

Tournament Not Held

[166]

World Seniors Championship

Tournament Not Held

[167]

Performance Table Legend for results

lost in the qualifying draw

lost in the early rounds of the tournament (WR = Wildcard round, RR = Round robin)

lost in the quarter-finals

lost in the semi-finals

lost in the final

won the tournament

no reliable source available

did not participate in the tournament

withdrew from the tournament

Performance Table Legend abbreviations for tournament status

NH / Not Held

means an event was not held.

NR / Non-Ranking Event

means an event is/was no longer a ranking event.

R / Ranking Event

means an event is/was a ranking event.

Career finals edit

Ranking finals: 1 (1 title) edit

Ranking event final contested by John Spencer

Outcome

Year

Championship

Opponent in the final

Score

Ref.

Winner

1977

World Snooker Championship (3)

Cliff Thorburn (CAN)

25–21

[65]

Non-ranking finals: 45 (26 titles) edit

Non-ranking finals contested by John Spencer

Outcome

Number

Year

Championship

Opponent in the final

Score

Ref.

Winner

1969

World Snooker Championship[q]

Gary Owen (WAL)

46–27

[168]

Runner-up

1969

Pot Black

Ray Reardon (WAL)

0–1

[147]

Winner

1970

Pot Black

Ray Reardon (WAL)

1–0

[147]

Winner

1971

World Snooker Championship (2)[r]

Warren Simpson (AUS)

37–29

[168]

Winner

1971

Pot Black (2)

Fred Davis (ENG)

1–0

[147]

Winner

1971

Park Drive 2000 – Spring

Rex Williams (ENG)

4–1

[35]

Runner-up

1971

Park Drive 600

Ray Reardon (WAL)

0–4

[35]

Winner

1971

Stratford Professional

David Taylor (ENG)

5–2

[36]

Runner-up

1971

Park Drive 2000 – Autumn

Ray Reardon (WAL)

3–4

[35]

Runner-up

1972

Men of the Midlands

Alex Higgins (NIR)

2–4

[152]

Winner

1972

Park Drive 2000 – Spring

Alex Higgins (NIR)

4–3

[35]

Runner-up

1972

World Snooker Championship[s]

Alex Higgins (NIR)

31–37

[40][c]

Runner-up

1972

Stratford Professional

Alex Higgins (NIR)

3–6

[45]

Winner

1972

Park Drive 2000 – Autumn

Alex Higgins (NIR)

5–3

[35]

Winner

1973

Norwich Union Open

John Pulman (ENG)

8–7

[46]

Winner

10.

1974

Ladbrokes Gala Event

Ray Edmonds (ENG)

3–2

[50]

Runner-up

1974

Pot Black (2)

Graham Miles (ENG)

Aggregate score[t]

[147]

Runner-up

1974

Pontins Professional

Ray Reardon (WAL)

9–10

[93]

Winner

11.

1974

World Plate Championship

John Pulman (ENG)

15–5

[54]

Runner-up

1974

World Masters

Cliff Thorburn (CAN)

Aggregate score[u]

[153]

Winner

12.

1974

Norwich Union Open (2)

Ray Reardon (WAL)

10–9

[46]

Winner

13.

1974

Jackpot Automatics

Alex Higgins (NIR)

5–0

[51]

Winner

14.

1975

The Masters

Ray Reardon (WAL)

9–8

[64]

Winner

15.

1975

Benson & Hedges Ireland Tournament

Alex Higgins (NIR)

9–7

[64]

Runner-up

10.

1975

Pontins Professional (2)

Ray Reardon (WAL)

4–10

[93]

Winner

16.

1975

Ashton Court Country Club Event

Alex Higgins (NIR)

5–1

[57]

Winner

17.

1976

Benson & Hedges Ireland Tournament (2)

Alex Higgins (NIR)

5–0

[64]

Winner

18.

1976

Pot Black (3)

Dennis Taylor (NIR)

1–0

[147]

Winner

19.

1976

Canadian Open

Alex Higgins (NIR)

17–9

[63]

Winner

20.

1977

Pontins Professional

John Pulman (ENG)

7–5

[93]

Runner-up

11.

1977

Canadian Open

Alex Higgins (NIR)

14–17

[169]

Winner

21.

1978

Irish Masters (3)

Doug Mountjoy (WAL)

5–3

[170]

Winner

22.

1978

Castle Professional

Alex Higgins (NIR)

5–3

[69]

Runner-up

12.

1978

Pontins Professional (3)

Ray Reardon (WAL)

2–7

[93]

Runner-up

13.

1979

Forward Chemicals Tournament

Ray Reardon (WAL)

6–9

[76]

Winner

23.

1979

Holsten Lager International

Graham Miles (ENG)

11–7

[71]

Winner

24.

1979

Bombay International

Dennis Taylor (NIR)

Round-robin

[157]

Runner-up

14.

1979

Limosin International

Eddie Charlton (AUS)

19–23

[35]

Winner

25.

1980

The Classic

Alex Higgins (NIR)

4–3

[77]

Winner

26.

1980

Australian Masters

Dennis Taylor (NIR)

Aggregate score[v]

[80]

Runner-up

15.

1981

Australian Masters

Tony Meo (ENG)

Aggregate score[v]

[80]

Runner-up

16.

1982

Highland Masters

Ray Reardon (WAL)

4–9

[86]

Runner-up

17.

1984

Pot Black (3)

Terry Griffiths (WAL)

1–2

[147]

Runner-up

18.

1984

Pontins Professional (4)

Willie Thorne (ENG)

7–9

[93]

Runner-up

19.

1985

Pontins Professional (5)

Terry Griffiths (WAL)

7–9

[93]

Pro-am finals: 3 (1 title) edit

Pro-am finals contested by John Spencer

Outcome

No.

Year

Championship

Opponent in the final

Score

Ref.

Runner-up

1974

Pontins Spring Open

Doug Mountjoy (WAL)

4–7

[171]

Runner-up

1975

Castle Open

Alex Higgins (NIR)

2–5

[172]

Winner

1978

Warners Open

Tony Knowles (ENG)

7–4

[173]

Team finals: 3 (1 title) edit

Team finals contested by John Spencer

Outcome

No.

Year

Championship

Team/partner

Opponent in the final

Score

Ref.

Runner-up

1975

Ladbroke International

England[w]

Rest of the World[x]

Cumulative score

[175]

Runner-up

1979

World Challenge Cup

England[y]

Wales[z]

3–14

[176]

Winner

1981

World Team Classic

England[aa]

Wales[ab]

4–3

[177]

Amateur finals: 4 (1 title) edit

Amateur finals contested by John Spencer

Outcome

No.

Year

Championship

Opponent in the final

Score

Ref.

Runner-up

1964

English Amateur Championship

Ray Reardon (WAL)

8–11

[178]

Runner-up

1965

English Amateur Championship (2)

Pat Houlihan (ENG)

3–11

[178]

Winner

1966

English Amateur Championship

Marcus Owen (WAL)

11–5

[178]

Runner-up

1966

World Amateur Championship

Gary Owen (WAL)

Round-robin

[179]

Explanatory notes edit

After completing the dead frames, the final score was 55–18.[20][21]

After completing the dead frames, the final score was 46–27.[29]

Some sources give the score as 37–32. Hayton & Dee (2004) states: "Higgins triumphed 37–31 (not 37–32 as so many publications have wrongly printed)".[41]

The figure is given as £50 in Spencer's 2005 autobiography Out of the Blue – Into the Black.[72]

In his 2005 autobiography (p. 9), Spencer gives the date as 9 May 1985 and calls it "the worst day of [his] life". Snooker Scene first reported his condition in their July 1984 issue,[91] and published an update in September 1984.[85]

A second edition was published in 1978.[121]

A second edition was published in 1992.[122]

The event was called the Australian Masters (to 1987), Hong Kong Open (1989/1990) and Australian Open (1994/1995).[162]

The event was also called the Dubai Masters (1988/1989).[141]

The event was also called the Goya Matchroom Trophy (1985/1986).[142]

The event was also called the Professional Players Tournament (1982/1983–1983/1984).[143]

The event was also called the Canadian Open (1978/1979–1980/1981).[144]

The event was called the Thailand Masters (1983/1984–1986/1987 & 1991/1992), and the Asian Open (1989/1990–1992/1993).[145]

The event was also called the British Gold Cup (1979/1980), Yamaha Organs Trophy (1980/1981) and International Masters (1981/1982–1983/1984).[146]

The event was also called the Benson & Hedges Ireland Tournament (1974/1975–1976/1977).[148]

The event was later called the Matchroom League.[149]

The World Championship did not become a ranking event until 1974.

The winning aggregate score (combined points scored across two frames) was 147–86.[147]

The winning aggregate score (combined points scored across two frames) was 160–67.[153]

The winning aggregate score is not mentioned in The Hamlyn Encyclopedia of Snooker, Snooker: Records, Facts and Champions, or The CueSport Book of Professional Snooker: The Complete Record & History.

The England team was Rex Williams, Fred Davis, Graham Miles, John Spencer and John Pulman.[174]

The "Rest of the World" team was Cliff Thorburn (Canada), Ray Reardon (Wales), Eddie Charlton (Australia), Alex Higgins (Northern Ireland) and Jackie Rea (Northern Ireland).[174]

The England team was Spencer, Fred Davis and Graham Miles[176]

The Wales team was Ray Reardon, Terry Griffiths and Doug Mountjoy[176]

The England team was Steve Davis, Spencer and David Taylor[177]

The Wales team was Ray Reardon, Terry Griffiths and Doug Mountjoy[177]

References edit

Citations edit

"John Spencer - World Snooker". wst.tv. Archived from the original on 20 February 2020. Retrieved 17 November 2023.

Everton, Clive (13 July 2006). "Obituary: John Spencer". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 24 May 2018. Retrieved 15 December 2016.

Everton, Clive (6 January 2011). "Spencer, John (1935–2006)". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online ed.). OUP. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/97338. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)

Allen, Bill (11 October 2005). "The glory . . . and the bad breaks". The Bolton News. Archived from the original on 17 November 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2023.

"Obituary for John Spencer Snooker (Aged 71)". The Daily Telegraph. 13 July 2006. p. 25. Archived from the original on 22 August 2023. Retrieved 22 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.

Everton, Clive (August 2006). "Crucible's first champion dies aged 70". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. p. 16.

Everton 1986, pp. 68–69.

Everton 1986, p. 69.

Everton, Clive, ed. (March 1967). "Spencer turns professional". Billiards and Snooker. No. 553. Billiards Association and Control Council. p. 11.

Williams & Gadsby 2005, p. 61.

Everton, Clive (September 2005). "Good times, hellish times: John Spencer recalls both in his autobiography". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. pp. 4–6.

Everton, Clive, ed. (October 1967). "New pro Owen plays in new pro tournament". Billiards and Snooker. No. 560. p. 5.

Everton, Clive, ed. (December 1967). "Ray Reardon turns professional". Billiards and Snooker. No. 562. p. 4.

Everton 2012, pp. 38–42.

Everton 2012, pp. 42–43.

Everton 1986, pp. 72–73.

Everton 1986, p. 43.

Everton, Clive, ed. (August 1968). "Tough first round for Pulman". Billiards and Snooker. Billiards Association and Control Council. p. 6.

"Spencer beats Pulman". The Times. London. 23 November 1968. p. 5.

Everton, Clive, ed. (March 1969). "John Spencer 55 Rex Williams 18". Billiards and Snooker. Billiards Association and Control Council. pp. 3–4.

"Spencer in final". The Guardian. 17 February 1969. p. 16. Archived from the original on 7 July 2022. Retrieved 7 July 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

Turner, Chris (22 March 2010). "On this Week: Irish hat-trick success". uk.eurosport.yahoo.com. Archived from the original on 20 September 2012. Retrieved 31 August 2012.

"Owen and Spencer all square". Birmingham Daily Post. 18 March 1969. p. 13. Archived from the original on 3 October 2023. Retrieved 9 September 2023 – via Newspapers.com.

"Owen loses ground to Spencer". Birmingham Daily Post. 19 March 1969. p. 13. Archived from the original on 22 August 2023. Retrieved 22 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.

Robinson, Keith (April 1969). "Blow by blow". Billiards and Snooker. Billiards Association and Control Council. pp. 3–6.

"Spencer Now Six Ahead". Coventry Evening Telegraph. 20 March 1969. p. 28. Archived from the original on 22 August 2023. Retrieved 22 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.

"Owen fights back to reduce leeway". Birmingham Daily Post. 21 March 1969. p. 15. Archived from the original on 22 August 2023. Retrieved 22 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.

"Snooker". The Times. London. 22 March 1969. p. 6.

"Snooker". The Times. London. 24 March 1969. p. 12.

Everton 1981, p. 89.

Everton 1981, pp. 89–90.

Everton 2012, p. 44.

Kobylecky 2019, pp. 225–226.

Perrin 1980, p. 91.

Everton 1981, p. 90.

"Snooker Champion In Top Form". Coventry Evening Telegraph. 21 September 1971. p. 32. Archived from the original on 22 August 2023. Retrieved 22 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.

Everton, Clive (April 1972). "How Alexander the great toppled king John". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. pp. 4–8.

Sandbrook 2019, p. 394.

Williams & Gadsby 2005, p. 84.

"Snooker: Higgins makes final flourish". The Times. London. 28 February 1972. p. 7.

Hayton & Dee 2004, p. 8.

Everton 2012, pp. 48–49.

Spencer 2005, p. 74.

Spencer 1978, p. 10.

"'Hurricane' again beats Spencer". Coventry Evening Telegraph. 9 September 1972. p. 14. Archived from the original on 22 August 2023. Retrieved 22 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.

Everton 1981, pp. 91–92.

Everton, Clive (19 November 1974). "Fred Davis goes out". The Guardian. p. 25. Archived from the original on 10 November 2023. Retrieved 10 November 2023.

Everton 1981, p. 80.

"Pontins". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. July 1974. p. 9.

"Spencer comeback takes £150". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. December 1973. p. 9.

"Spencer hits the jackpot". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. December 1974. p. 20.

Everton 1981, p. 91.

"Second round". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. June 1974. p. 9.

"Plate". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. June 1974. p. 18.

Everton 1981, p. 92.

"The Benson and Hedges masters". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. February 1975. pp. 5–7.

"King John reigns as Ashton Court". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. May 1975. p. 5.

"Castle Open provides pre-Christmas treat". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. May 1975. pp. 5–8.

Everton 1986, pp. 102–103.

Everton, Clive (27 February 1975). "Seeding system is exposed as a farce". The Guardian. p. 20. Archived from the original on 22 August 2023. Retrieved 22 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.

"Embassy world professional snooker championship". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. May 1976. p. 15.

"Embassy world professional snooker championship". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. June 1976. p. 15.

"Refreshed Spencer wins Canadian Open". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. November 1976. pp. 14–16.

Hayton & Dee 2004, p. 912.

Everton 1993, pp. 47–50.

"Snooker star pockets £6,000". The Observer. 1 May 1977. p. 20. Archived from the original on 3 October 2023. Retrieved 8 September 2023 – via Newspapers.com.

Duncan, Graham (October 1977). "Higgins tops the bill in snooker's flying circus". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. p. 14.

"Refreshed Spencer's Irish win". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. May 1978. p. 19.

"Spencer beats Higgins at the Castle". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. May 1978. p. 22.

"Embassy world professional snooker championship". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. June 1978. p. 11.

"Spencer first in Holsten lager international". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. February 1979. pp. 12–15.

Spencer 2005, p. 79.

"Lada Classic". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. February 1982. p. 5.

"John Spencer and Michael Ferreira triumph in Bombay's International Tournament". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. April 1979. pp. 16–17.

"Mountjoy wins Irish masters". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. March 1979. p. 13.

"Reardon forwards £3000 cheque". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. March 1979. p. 13.

Everton 1981, p. 100.

"Spencer beats Higgins to win Wilson's Classic". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. February 1980. pp. 16–17.

"Fine day for Higgins". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. March 1980. p. 21.

Morrison 1987, p. 156.

"Embassy world professional snooker championship". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. June 1981. pp. 7–11.

"World team classic". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. December 1981. p. 11.

"Hofmeister World Doubles". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. February 1983. p. 7.

"Success for Hofmeister second time round". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. February 1984. pp. 17–21.

"Spencer's double vision". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. September 1984. p. 5.

"Reardon's Highland Fling". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. June 1982. p. 33.

"Embassy World Professional Championship". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. June 1982. pp. 9–21.

Hayton & Dee 2004, pp. 912–913.

"Lada Classic". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. February 1983. pp. 11–16.

"Embassy World Professional Championship". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. June 1983. pp. 7, 15.

"(untitled article)". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. July 1984. p. 3.

Spencer 2005, p. 158.

Morrison 1987, p. 100.

Everton, Clive (June 1984). "Embassy world snooker championship". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. pp. 5–12.

Hayton & Dee 2004, p. 913.

"Dulux British Open". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. February 1985. p. 23.

Spencer 2005, p. 71.

"Terry Griffiths wins Pontins pro title". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. July 1985. p. 9.

Hayton & Dee 2004, pp. 913–914.

"Embassy World Championship". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. June 1986. p. 5.

Burn 2008, p. 179.

"Brilliant shade of White". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. April 1987. p. 11.

"Third round". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. March 1990. p. 23.

"Wattana relieved to oust Spencer". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. March 1990. p. 27.

"Third round". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. May 1991. p. 7.

"McManus beats Higgins, Thorburn struggles through". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. October 1991. p. 13.

"Spencer joins Parrott camp". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. March 1991. p. 26.

Hayton & Dee 2004, p. 914.

"Foldvari outlasts McAlinden". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. May 1992. p. 7.

Hale, Janice (12 April 1992). "End of the line for past masters". The Observer. p. 42. Archived from the original on 3 October 2023. Retrieved 8 September 2023 – via Newspapers.com.

Spencer 2005, p. 183.

Spencer 2005, p. 72.

Spencer 2005, p. 106.

Spencer 1978, p. 11.

Williams & Gadsby 2005, p. 63.

Everton 1979, p. 139.

Williams & Gadsby 2005, pp. 58–59.

Williams & Gadsby 2005, p. 62.

"World Seniors Update: Masters Trophy to be named after John Spencer". WPBSA. 26 February 2018. Archived from the original on 11 April 2021. Retrieved 13 November 2023.

Perrin, Reg (February 1973). "Books: Spencer on Snooker by John Spencer". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. p. 5.

Clarke 2008, p. 61.

Clarke 2008, p. 68.

"JS Golf". Liverpool Echo. 1 February 1980. p. 9. Archived from the original on 16 November 2023 – via Newspaper.com.

"Pot The Question". Hull Daily Mail. 24 May 1984. p. 3. Archived from the original on 16 November 2023.

"Then and Now: John Spencer". uk.eurosport.yahoo.com. 25 February 2010. Archived from the original on 7 October 2012. Retrieved 11 May 2012.

Morrison 1988, p. 96.

"Big Break John Spencer 1991". The Daily Telegraph. 21 May 1991. p. 35. Archived from the original on 10 November 2023 – via Newspapers.com.

"Big Break John Spencer 1992". The Daily Telegraph. 22 February 1992. p. T.2. Archived from the original on 10 November 2023 – via Newspapers.com.

"Big Break John Spencer 1997". The Daily Telegraph. 14 June 1997. p. T.12. Archived from the original on 16 November 2023 – via Newspapers.com.

"Spencer resigns as WPBSA AGM looms". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. December 1996. p. 3.

Spencer 2005, p. 172.

Spencer 2005, p. 184.

"John Spencer's tough decision". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. August 2005. p. 16.

Chowdrey, Saj (6 May 2005). "Crucible Diary". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 18 December 2006. Retrieved 10 July 2022. The Crucible crowd were treated to a Parade of Champions prior to the last session of the final between Matthew Stevens and Shaun Murphy.

"John Spencer obituary". The Independent. 13 July 2006. Archived from the original on 1 July 2021. Retrieved 17 November 2023.

Spencer 2005.

Youssef, Anna (18 July 2006). "Sad farewell to snooker champ John". The Bolton News. Archived from the original on 18 November 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2023.

"Ranking History". snooker.org. Archived from the original on 19 December 2018. Retrieved 7 November 2017.

"New world ranking list". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. June 1989. pp. 20–21.

"The new world rankings". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. June 1990. p. 20.

"WPBSA world rankings". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. June 1991. pp. 22–23.

"Official world rankings 1991–2". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. June 1992. pp. 24–25.

"Official world rankings". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. June 1993. pp. 18–20.

Hayton & Dee 2004, pp. 912–914.

Turner, Chris. "Dubai Classic, Dubai Masters, Bahrain Snooker Championship". Chris Turner's Snooker Archive. Archived from the original on 7 January 2012.

Turner, Chris. "International Open, Goya Matchroom Trophy". Chris Turner's Snooker Archive. Archived from the original on 16 February 2012.

Turner, Chris. "Professional Players Tournament, Grand Prix, LG Cup". Chris Turner's Snooker Archive. Archived from the original on 16 February 2012.

Turner, Chris. "Canadian Masters". Chris Turner's Snooker Archive. Archived from the original on 16 February 2012.

Turner, Chris. "Thailand Open, Thailand Classic, Thailand Masters". Chris Turner's Snooker Archive. Archived from the original on 16 February 2012.

Turner, Chris. "British Open Including British Gold Cup, Yamaha Organs Trophy and Yamaha International Masters". Chris Turner's Snooker Archive. Archived from the original on 16 February 2012.

Morrison 1987, p. 101.

Turner, Chris. "Irish Masters". Chris Turner's Snooker Archive. Archived from the original on 16 February 2012.

Turner, Chris. "Premier/Matchroom League, Matchroom Championship League". Chris Turner's Snooker Archive. Archived from the original on 16 February 2012.

Everton 1984, pp. 91–92.

"Spencer plays Higgins again". Birmingham Daily Post. Birmingham. 15 March 1972. p. 18.

"Spencer puts on style". Coventry Evening Telegraph. Coventry. 25 January 1973. p. 50.

"Higgins takes Men of Midlands title". Birmingham Daily Post. Birmingham. 6 February 1973. p. 25.

Turner, Chris. "Men of the Midlands". Chris Turner's Snooker Archive. Archived from the original on 16 February 2012. Retrieved 31 October 2020.

"Snooker win to Thorburn". The Sydney Morning Herald. 6 July 1974. p. 63.

"Fagan wins Dry Blackthorn cup". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. February 1978. p. 5.

Morrison 1989, p. 96.

"1980 Padmore Super Crystalate International Results Grid". snookerdatabase.co.uk. Archived from the original on 9 December 2018. Retrieved 12 July 2022.

Turner, Chris (2011). "Other Non-Ranking and Invition Events". Chris Turner's Snooker Archive. Archived from the original on 16 February 2012.

Hayton & Dee 2004, p. 147.

"1982 Highland Masters Results Grid". snookerdatabase.co.uk. Archived from the original on 8 February 2018. Retrieved 24 July 2021.

"Davis again in Wilson's Classic". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. January 1981. p. 17.

Hayton & Dee 2004, p. 149.

Turner, Chris. "Australian Masters". Chris Turner's Snooker Archive. Archived from the original on 30 September 2010.

Lowe, Ted (September 1982). "Ted Lowe reports on Australia's Winfield Masters". Cue World. Sheffield: Transworld Snooker. pp. 9–10.

Hale 1987, p. 201.

Morrison 1989, p. 108.

"Clark wins in Monte Carlo". Snooker Scene. Birmingham: Everton's News Agency. February 1991. p. 31.

"How Cliff Wilson became king of the golden oldies". Snooker Scene. Everton's News Agency. November 1991. pp. 17–19.

Morrison 1987, p. 167.

Morrison 1989, p. 91.

Morrison 1989, p. 93.

"pontins". 28 February 2012. Archived from the original on 28 February 2012.

"Higgins beats Spencer – lifts £500 prize". Belfast Telegraph. 22 December 1975. p. 18.

Morrison 1987, p. 147.

"ITV London". Reading Evening Post. Reading. 5 April 1975. p. 2.

Everton 1976, pp. 6–7.

"A successful experiment". Snooker Scene. December 1980. pp. 3–9.

"World Team Classic". Snooker Scene. December 1981. pp. 5–11.

Morrison 1987, p. 37.

Hale 1987, pp. 296–297.

Bibliography edit

Burn, Gordon (2008) [1986]. Pocket Money. London: Faber & Faber. ISBN 978-0-571-23683-1.

Clarke, Gary (2008). A Billiards and Snooker Compendium. Rothersthorpe: Paragon. ISBN 978-1-899820-46-7.

Everton, Clive (1976). The Ladbroke Snooker International Handbook. Birmingham: Ladbrokes Leisure. pp. 6–7. ISBN 978-0-905606-00-2.

Everton, Clive (1979). The Story of Billiards and Snooker. London: Cassell. ISBN 978-0-304-30373-1.

Everton, Clive (1981). The Guinness Book of Snooker. Enfield: Guinness Superlatives. ISBN 978-0-85112-230-4.

Everton, Clive, ed. (1984). Benson and Hedges Snooker Year (First ed.). London: Virgin Books. ISBN 978-0-86369-051-8.

Everton, Clive (1986). The History of Snooker and Billiards. Haywards Heath: Partridge Press. ISBN 978-1-85225-013-3.

Everton, Clive (1993). The Embassy Book of World Snooker. London: Bloomsbury. ISBN 978-0-7475-1610-1.

Everton, Clive (2012). Black Farce and Cue Ball Wizards. Edinburgh: Mainstream. ISBN 978-1-78057-568-1.

Hale, Janice (1987). Rothmans Snooker Yearbook 1987–88. Aylesbury: Queen Anne Press. ISBN 978-0-356-14690-4.

Hayton, Eric; Dee, John (2004). The CueSport Book of Professional Snooker: The Complete Record & History. Lowestoft: Rose Villa Publications. ISBN 978-0-9548549-0-4.

Kobylecky, John (2019). The Complete International Directory of Snooker Players – 1927 to 2018. Cambridge: Kobyhadrian Books. ISBN 978-0-9931433-1-1.

Morrison, Ian (1987). The Hamlyn Encyclopedia of Snooker (Revised ed.). Twickenham: Hamlyn Publishing Group. ISBN 978-0-600-55604-6.

Morrison, Ian (1988). Hamlyn Who's Who in Snooker. London: Hamlyn. ISBN 978-0-600-55713-5.

Morrison, Ian (1989). Snooker: Records, Facts and Champions. Enfield: Guinness Superlatives. ISBN 978-0-85112-364-6.

Perrin, Reg (1980). Pot Black. London: BBC. ISBN 978-0-563-17789-0.

Sandbrook, Dominic (2019). Who Dares Wins: Britain, 1979–1982. London: Allen Lane. ISBN 978-1-846-14737-1.

Spencer, John (1978) [1973]. Spencer on Snooker (Revised ed.). London: Cassell. ISBN 978-0-304-30119-5.

Spencer, John (2005). Out of the Blue – Into the Black: The Autobiography of John Spencer. Manchester: Parrs Wood Press. ISBN 978-1-903158-63-0.

Williams, Luke; Gadsby, Paul (2005). Masters of the Baize. Edinburgh: Mainstream. ISBN 978-1-84018-872-1.

External links edit

John Spencer at IMDb

Obituary on the BBC News website

Last edited 2 days ago by Nigej

...

Did you know ...

Flaco peeping through a window

... that having lived in Central Park for more than a year after becoming homeless, Flaco (pictured) has been accused of being a peeping tom?

... that nine-year-old Xiang Xuan was the youngest soldier to take part in the Long March?

... that because the Cherokee people were deliberately routed through cholera-stricken areas, their dislocation has been given as an example of Native American genocide in the United States?

... that Centre College hosted two vice-presidential debates during John A. Roush's presidency?

... that former girl soldiers may face higher rates of community rejection than former boy soldiers?

... that Ireland's 2024 Eurovision entrant Bambie Thug describes their musical genre as "ouija pop"?

... that Campbell Soup considered suing Andy Warhol for his Campbell's Soup Cans theme, but then promoted it?

... that Ove Jørgensen, after giving his name to a law of Homeric poetry, renounced classical studies to write about ballet?