Farewell our snooker hero!

Yesterday came the sad news of the passing of Mike Watterson. Mike, a former amateur player, loved the bones of snooker. Unknown out the walls of the sport, Watterson was the man responsible for formatting the idea of bringing the game to the Crucible. After going to a play with his wife in 1977, Mike brainchilded the idea after knowing that the World Championship was struggling to find a venue. A conversation with his friend, the player, John Pullman led to discussions with the theatre management and a deal was subsequently agreed to host the iconic event at the Crucible. The rest as they say is history.

Wattterson, later became a professional player in 1981 and also turned his hand to commentary. Mike, a former car salesman, also became a promoter, being responsible for help set up the UK Championship, British Open, International Open and World Cup and also set up the BDO in darts, an idea he thought up in a barber’s chair in 1977. He also brought indoor bowls to the Preston Guildhall in 1981. Watterson was also along time snooker commentator for Eurosport and Sky.

Mike passed away yesterday after a period of ill health but will always be remembered as as an innovator of snooker His sharp mind and entrepreneurial brain meant that he was able to create some of the greatest tournaments in various sports.