By winning his tenth NSW Billiards Championship today, Joe Minici set a new record by becoming the player who has won this title the most times in its 109 year history.

In 2008, Joe equalled the records of L W Hayes (1926 -1935) and A G Bull (1936 – 1962) in winning the event 9 times but today, after earlier this year winning the Oceania Billiards Championship, established himself as one of the greats of the sport.

In the 3 hour final, Joe defeated Wollongong’s Darren Martin, 1,200 to 637. After being nearly 200 points down in the early stages of the match, Joe, in a world class demonstration of Billiards, knocked in 7 massive breaks: 187, 76, 113, 89, 100, 96 and 106 (unfinished as the time was called). He also made the overall highest break of 244 edging past Michael Pearson’s 212 established in the one of the quarter final matches.

Our thanks as always to Bill Hart for his management, Graham Willoughby for all his hard work in heading-up the Billiards sub-committee, the tournament referees: Frank Galanos, Emmanual Mordian, Bill Springett and Joe Saliba, and to all the spectators who attended through-out the event.
I would also like to acknowledge the great support received from Smithfield RSL Club in sponsoring and hosting the event again this year. Their support is most appreciated by all those involve in our sport. The club facilities are first class and staff were, as always, most helpful, courteous and friendly.
Yours in Billiards

Ron Baikie
Secretary,
Billiards & Snooker Association of NSW