World Doubles Championship Explained

Tournament Name:World Doubles Championship
Venue:Derngate Centre
Location:London (1982) / Northampton (1983–1987)
Country:England
Establishment:1982
Organisation:World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association
Format:Non-ranking team event
Final Year:1987
Final Champion: Mike Hallett
Stephen Hendry

The World Doubles Championship, also known as the Hofmeister World Doubles (1982–1986) or the Fosters World Doubles (1987) for sponsorship purposes, was a non-ranking team snooker tournament held from 1982 to 1987 as the major event.

History

Created to capitalise on the growing popularity of televised snooker, as well as to offer a slightly different version of the game, the event was initially staged at the Crystal Palace in London, sponsored by Courage Brewery through their Hofmeister brand. 29 pairs entered the event, which was played from the last 16 in London.[1]

Due to poor attendance of the inaugural event it was moved to the Derngate in Northampton. In 1987 the sponsorship of the event was moved to the Fosters brand, but the sponsorship contract expired the same year. By the end of the 1980s, other more significant events were making up the snooker calendar and the tournament was eventually abandoned. Four of the six tournaments were won by the pairing of Steve Davis and Tony Meo.[1]

Winners

[1]

YearWinnersRunners-upFinal scoreSeason
1982[2] Steve Davis & Tony Meo Terry Griffiths & Doug Mountjoy13–21982/83
1983[3] Steve Davis & Tony Meo Tony Knowles & Jimmy White10–21983/84
1984 Alex Higgins & Jimmy White Cliff Thorburn & Willie Thorne10–21984/85
1985[4] Steve Davis & Tony Meo Tony Jones & Ray Reardon12–51985/86
1986[5] Steve Davis & Tony Meo Mike Hallett & Stephen Hendry12–31986/87
1987 Mike Hallett & Stephen Hendry Cliff Thorburn & Dennis Taylor12–81987/88

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Turner. Chris. World Doubles Championship. https://web.archive.org/web/20120216155837/http://www.cajt.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/doubles.html. 16 February 2012. cajt.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk. Chris Turner's Snooker Archive. 12 March 2013.
  2. News: Meo makes his mark – and collects £13,000. 2 June 2011. The Glasgow Herald. 20 December 1982.
  3. News: Easy for Davis & Meo. 2 June 2011. The Glasgow Herald. 19 December 1983.
  4. News: Davis, Meo lift doubles crown. 2 June 2011. The Glasgow Herald. 16 December 1985.
  5. News: Davis and Meo wrap up title. 2 June 2011. The Glasgow Herald. 15 December 1986.