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Doug Mountjoy
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Douglas James Mountjoy [needs IPA] (8 June 1942 – 14 February 2021) was a Welsh snooker player. He was a member of the professional snooker circuit from the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s, and remained within the top 16 of the world rankings for 11 consecutive years. He began his professional snooker career by taking the 1977 Masters, which he entered as a reserve player. He won both the 1978 UK Championship and the 1979 Irish Masters. Mountjoy reached the final of the 1981 World Snooker Championship where he was defeated by Steve Davis. He was also runner-up at the 1985 Masters losing to Cliff Thorburn, but by 1988 he had dropped out of the top 16.
Key Information
Mountjoy enjoyed a resurgence in his 40s, and at the age of 46 he defeated Stephen Hendry in the final of the 1988 UK Championship. He followed up by also winning the next ranking event, the 1989 Classic, and by the end of the 1988–89 season he was back in the top 16, where he remained until 1992. His world ranking peaked at number five in 1990–1991. He also won five Welsh Professional Championship titles during his career.
Diagnosed with lung cancer in 1993, Mountjoy qualified for the World Championship at the age of 50, just weeks before having a lung surgically removed. He continued to play professionally until 1997, and he was coach to the United Arab Emirates snooker association between 1997 and 1999 and appeared sporadically at the World Snooker Championship until 2002. Mountjoy died in February 2021 after a stroke.
Early life
[edit]Mountjoy was born on 8 June 1942,[1][2] in Tir-y-Berth, Gelligaer, Glamorgan, Wales.[3] He was brought up just outside Ebbw Vale and worked for some years as a coal miner, playing snooker in his spare time.[3] At the age of 17 an underground accident trapped him for several hours when the roof collapsed; he was fortunate to escape.[4]
A popular player in the South Wales Valleys as a junior, he won many amateur tournaments including two Welsh Amateur titles and the World Amateur title in 1976,[3] after defeating Paul Mifsud 11–1.[2] After the World Amateur victory he turned professional at the age of 34.[5]
Career
[edit]Mountjoy's first professional tournament, which he entered as a late replacement, was the 1977 Masters at the New London Theatre.[3] After defeating former world champions John Pulman, Fred Davis, and Alex Higgins to reach the final, he beat the defending Masters champion and reigning world champion Ray Reardon 7–6 to win the title.[5][6]
At the 1977 World Championship a couple of months later, he defeated Higgins again in the first round but lost to Dennis Taylor in the quarter-final 11–13.[2] At the end of 1977, he reached the final of the first UK Snooker Championship, losing to Patsy Fagan 9–12.[7] He won the title at the 1978 UK Championship, however, beating David Taylor 15–9, and he defeated Ray Reardon in the same season to win the Irish Masters 6–5.[6] He won the 1980 Champion of Champions, with a 10–8 victory over John Virgo in the final.[8] Mountjoy also won the 1978 Pot Black event.[9]
After being part of the winning Wales team in the first two snooker World Challenge Cups, in 1979 and 1980, and winning the 1980 Welsh Professional Championship he had an attack of Bell's palsy which partially paralysed his face.[3] Recovering from the attack, he reached the final of the 1981 World Championship, defeating Eddie Charlton, Dennis Taylor and, in the semi-final, Ray Reardon (against whom he made a 145 break, a championship record at the time). He then played Steve Davis in the final.[10] Davis was favourite to win his first world title, and appeared to be racing to an easy victory by winning the first six frames of the match. However, Mountjoy recovered and came close to drawing level on several occasions. Trailing 11–13, and with the score at 60–63 in the 25th frame, he looked certain to cut Davis's lead to one frame but missed a simple blue from its spot; Davis went on to clear the colours, fluking the final black. Mountjoy won only one more frame as Davis won the match 18–12.[11]
After that run at the World Championship, he had only a short run of titles; he won the Welsh Professional Championship in 1982[6] and 1984[6] to go with his 1980 title. He was back in the final of a major again in the 1985 Masters tournament, losing to Cliff Thorburn 9–6.[12] Mountjoy also reclaimed the Pot Black title in March that year.[9]
He won another Welsh title in 1987 but otherwise struggled to regain his previous form, including a 1–9 defeat to Steve Longworth in the first round of the 1986 UK Championship.[6] By 1988 he was out of the top 16 in the world rankings.[13] In the 1988–89 snooker season, however, he reached the final of the 1988 UK Championship where he met Stephen Hendry. He won 16–12 and gained his first ranking tournament victory, having at one stage scored centuries in three consecutive frames.[14] In January 1989 he won the Classic, beating fellow Welshman Wayne Jones in the final, to win consecutive ranking titles.[15] This was enough for him to return to the top 16 the next season, and by 1990 he was number five in the world.[16] He remained in the top 16 until 1992.
Mountjoy was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1993, having been a smoker for many years.[3] That year, at the age of 50, he defeated Alain Robidoux 10–6 in the first round of the World Championship, only weeks before an operation to remove his left lung. This was his last appearance in the final stages of the championship and for fifteen years he was the last player aged over 50 to appear at The Crucible. He survived the cancer and continued to play snooker until 1997, after which he concentrated on snooker coaching. He would coach in the United Arab Emirates,[17] but did appear in qualifying for the 2002 World Snooker Championship.[18]
Personal life and death
[edit]He married Mary (née Richards), a hairdresser and the couple had two children.[19] He died on 14 February 2021, aged 78, following a stroke.[4][20][21]
In a joint statement, World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn and World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association chairman Jason Ferguson said: "Doug was first and foremost a lovely man, who had great friendships with many players on the tour throughout the 1970s and onwards."[22]
Performance and rankings timeline
[edit]| Tournament | 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 |
1994/ 95 |
1995/ 96 |
1996/ 97 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking[23] | [nb 1] | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 6 | 7 | 12 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 24 | 10 | 5 | 10 | 26 | 30 | 26 | 36 | 59 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ranking tournaments | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asian Classic[nb 2] | Tournament Not Held | NR | F | QF | 1R | 2R | WD | LQ | LQ | LQ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Grand Prix[nb 3] | Tournament Not Held | 1R | 1R | QF | 2R | 3R | 1R | 3R | QF | 1R | 2R | 1R | 1R | 2R | 1R | LQ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| UK Championship | NH | Non-Ranking Event | 2R | 2R | 2R | 1R | W | 1R | 2R | 1R | 2R | 2R | 1R | 1R | LQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| German Open | Tournament Not Held | LQ | LQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Welsh Open | Tournament Not Held | 1R | 2R | 1R | 1R | LQ | 1R | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| International Open[nb 4] | Tournament Not Held | NR | 1R | QF | 1R | 2R | 2R | 1R | 2R | 1R | Not Held | 1R | 1R | 1R | LQ | LQ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| European Open | Tournament Not Held | 3R | QF | QF | 2R | 3R | LQ | 1R | LQ | LQ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Thailand Open[nb 5] | Tournament Not Held | Non-Ranking Event | Not Held | 3R | 3R | 1R | 1R | LQ | 1R | LQ | LQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| British Open[nb 6] | Not Held | Non-Ranking Event | 1R | 1R | 3R | 1R | 3R | 3R | 2R | QF | 1R | QF | 1R | LQ | LQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| World Championship | QF | 1R | 1R | 2R | F | 2R | 2R | QF | 2R | 2R | 2R | 2R | 1R | 2R | 1R | 1R | 2R | LQ | LQ | LQ | LQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-ranking tournaments | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Scottish Masters | Tournament Not Held | QF | A | A | A | A | A | A | NH | A | QF | A | A | A | A | A | A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Masters | W | QF | SF | A | QF | QF | SF | 1R | F | 1R | QF | 1R | A | QF | 1R | 1R | LQ | LQ | A | A | A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Seniors Pot Black | Tournament Not Held | QF | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Irish Masters[nb 7] | A | F | W | F | QF | QF | QF | A | A | A | A | A | A | 1R | 1R | A | A | A | A | A | A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pontins Professional | RR | RR | W | A | SF | SF | W | QF | A | A | A | A | QF | A | SF | SF | A | A | A | A | A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| European League[nb 8] | Tournament Not Held | RR | Not Held | A | A | A | RR | RR | A | A | A | A | A | A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Former ranking tournaments | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Canadian Masters[nb 9] | Non-Ranking Event | Tournament Not Held | Non-Ranking | 2R | Tournament Not Held | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hong Kong Open[nb 10] | Not Held | Non-Ranking Event | NH | 3R | Tournament Not Held | NR | NH | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Classic | Not Held | Non-Ranking Event | 1R | 1R | SF | 1R | 2R | W | 1R | 2R | 1R | Tournament Not Held | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Strachan Open | Tournament Not Held | 1R | MR | NR | Not Held | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Former non-ranking tournaments | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Canadian Masters[nb 9] | A | 1R | A | A | A | Tournament Not Held | A | A | A | R | Tournament Not Held | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Holsten Lager International | Not Held | 1R | Tournament Not Held | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forward Chemicals Tournament | Not Held | RR | Tournament Not Held | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Golden Masters | NH | W | SF | Tournament Not Held | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Padmore Super Crystalate | Not Held | QF | Tournament Not Held | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bombay International | Not Held | A | RR | Tournament Not Held | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pontins Camber Sands | Not Held | SF | Tournament Not Held | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Champion of Champions | Not Held | SF | NH | W | Tournament Not Held | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| International Open[nb 4] | Tournament Not Held | 2R | Ranking Event | Not Held | Ranking Event | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Northern Ireland Classic | Tournament Not Held | SF | Tournament Not Held | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Classic | Not Held | QF | A | A | QF | Ranking Event | Tournament Not Held | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tolly Cobbold Classic | Not Held | RR | A | A | A | QF | A | Tournament Not Held | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Thailand Masters | Tournament Not Held | SF | A | A | A | Not Held | Ranking Event | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| UK Championship | NH | F | W | 2R | 1R | 2R | 2R | 2R | Ranking Event | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| British Open[nb 6] | Not Held | RR | RR | RR | 2R | RR | Ranking Event | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New Zealand Masters | Tournament Not Held | F | QF | Not Held | A | A | Tournament Not Held | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Australian Masters[nb 11] | Not Held | A | A | A | A | 1R | 1R | A | A | A | NH | R | Tournament Not Held | A | A | NH | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Norwich Union Grand Prix | Tournament Not Held | QF | Tournament Not Held | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Welsh Professional Championship | F | Not Held | W | SF | W | F | W | F | F | W | SF | W | F | A | Tournament Not Held | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hong Kong Challenge[nb 12] | Tournament Not Held | W | F | A | A | A | A | NH | QF | A | Tournament Not Held | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Belgian Masters | Tournament Not Held | QF | A | A | Not Held | A | NH | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shoot-Out | Tournament Not Held | 1R | Tournament Not Held | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| World Matchplay | Tournament Not Held | A | QF | 1R | A | A | Tournament Not Held | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| World Masters | Tournament Not Held | 1R | Tournament Not Held | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pot Black | F | W | F | SF | A | SF | A | 1R | W | 1R | Tournament Not Held | SF | A | A | Not Held | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| World Seniors Championship | Tournament Not Held | QF | Tournament Not Held | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Performance Table Legend | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LQ | lost in the qualifying draw | #R | lost in the early rounds of the tournament (WR = Wildcard round, RR = Round robin) |
QF | lost in the quarter-finals |
| SF | lost in the semi-finals | F | lost in the final | W | won the tournament |
| DNQ | did not qualify for the tournament | A | did not participate in the tournament | WD | withdrew from the tournament |
| 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. | |||
- ^ New players on the Main Tour do not have a ranking.
- ^ The event was also called the Dubai Masters (1988/1989), Dubai Classic (1989/90–1994/1995) and Thailand Classic (1995/1996)
- ^ The event was also called the Professional Players Tournament (1982/83–1983/1984)
- ^ a b The event was also called the Goya Matchroom Trophy (1985/1986)
- ^ The event was also called the Thailand Masters (1983/1984–1986/1987 & 1991/1992) and the Asian Open (1989/1990–1992/1993)
- ^ a b The event was also called the British Gold Cup (1979/1980), Yamaha Organs Trophy (1980/1981) and International Masters (1981/1982–1983/1984)
- ^ The event was also called the Benson & Hedges Ireland Tournament (1974/1975–1976/1977)
- ^ The event was also called the Professional Snooker League (1983/1984) and the Matchroom League (1986/1987 to 1991/1992)
- ^ a b The event was also called the Canadian Open (1978/1979–1980/1981)
- ^ The event was also called the Australian Masters (1979/1980–1987/1988 & 1995/1996) and Australian Open (1994/1995)
- ^ The event was also called the Hong Kong Open (1989/1990) and Australian Open (1994/1995)
- ^ The event was also called the Hong Kong Masters (1983/1984–1988/1989)
Career finals
[edit]Ranking finals: 4 (2 titles)
[edit]| Legend |
|---|
| World Championship (0–1) |
| UK Championship (1–0) |
| Other (1–1) |
| Outcome | No. | Year | Championship | Opponent in the final | Score | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Runner-up | 1. | 1981 | World Snooker Championship |  Steve Davis
|
12–18 | [24] |
| Winner | 1. | 1988 | UK Championship (2) |  Stephen Hendry
|
16–12 | [14] |
| Winner | 2. | 1989 | The Classic |  Wayne Jones
|
13–11 | [25] |
| Runner-up | 2. | 1989 | Dubai Classic | Stephen Hendry
|
2–9 | [26] |
Non-ranking finals: 28 (15 titles)
[edit]| Legend |
|---|
| UK Championship (1–1) [27] |
| The Masters (1–1) |
| Other (13–11) |
Pro-am finals: 4 (2 titles)
[edit]| Outcome | No. | Year | Championship | Opponent in the final | Score | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winner | 1. | 1974 | Pontins Spring Open | John Spencer
|
7–4 | [41] |
| Winner | 2. | 1976 | Pontins Spring Open (2) | Lance Pibworth
|
7–1 | [41] |
| Runner-up | 1. | 1977 | Warners Open | Tony Meo
|
4–5 | [42] |
| Runner-up | 2. | 1984 | Pontins Spring Open | Neal Foulds
|
4–7 | [41] |
Team finals: 5 (2 titles)
[edit]| Outcome | No. | Year | Championship | Team/partner | Opponent(s) in the final | Score | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winner | 1. | 1979 | World Challenge Cup | Wales
|
England
|
14–3 | [43] |
| Winner | 1. | 1980 | World Challenge Cup (2) | Wales
|
 Canada
|
8–5 | [43] |
| Runner-up | 1. | 1981 | World Team Classic | Wales
|
England
|
3–4 | [43] |
| Runner-up | 2. | 1982 | World Doubles Championship | Terry Griffiths
|
Steve Davis Tony Meo
|
3–4 | [44] |
| Runner-up | 3. | 1983 | World Team Classic (2) | Wales
|
England
|
2–4 | [43] |
Amateur finals: 4 (3 titles)
[edit]| Outcome | No. | Year | Championship | Opponent in the final | Score | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Runner-up | 1. | 1966 | Welsh Amateur Championship | Lynn O'Neill
|
5–9 | [45] |
| Winner | 1. | 1968 | Welsh Amateur Championship | John Terry
|
6–5 | [45] |
| Winner | 2. | 1976 | Welsh Amateur Championship (2) | Alwyn Lloyd
|
8–6 | [45] |
| Winner | 3. | 1976 | World Amateur Championship |  Paul Mifsud
|
11–1 | [46] |
References
[edit]- ^ 'Snooker. Mountjoy takes two frames to level scores'. The Times, 12 February 1977. Retrieved 12 November 2024
- ^ a b c Morrison, Ian (1988). Who's who in snooker. Hamlyn. pp. 74–75. ISBN 0600557138.
- ^ a b c d e f "Profile: Doug Mountjoy". Eurosport. 3 December 2009. Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
- ^ a b Rawling, John (17 February 2021). "Doug Mountjoy obituary". the Guardian. Archived from the original on 20 February 2021. Retrieved 19 February 2021.
- ^ a b "Doug Mountjoy". wst.tv. World Snooker. Archived from the original on 21 February 2020. Retrieved 10 March 2020.
- ^ a b c d e Hale, Janice (1987). Rothmans Snooker Yearbook 1987–88. Aylesbury: Queen Anne Press. pp. 129–133. ISBN 0356146901.
- ^ "UK Championship". Snooker Scene. Archived from the original on 24 January 2013. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
- ^ "Snooker – Mountjoy fights back to take champion's title". The Times. 13 October 1980. p. 9.
- ^ a b "BBC Two England - 14 April 1978 - BBC Genome". BBC. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
- ^ Everton, Clive (20 April 1981). "Mountjoy recovers from demoralising start". The Guardian. London. p. 15.
- ^ "1981: Davis begins his reign". BBC. 18 April 2003. Archived from the original on 7 May 2004. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
- ^ "Snooker". The Times. 3 October 1984. p. 24.
- ^ "Ranking History". Snooker.org. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 6 February 2011.
- ^ a b "UK Championship". Snooker Scene. Archived from the original on 24 January 2013. Retrieved 5 February 2013.
- ^ Turner, Chris. "Wilson Classic, Lada Classic, Mercantile Credit Classic". cajt.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk. Chris Turner's Snooker Archive. Archived from the original on 16 February 2012. Retrieved 24 October 2012.
- ^ Hayton, Eric (2004). The CueSport Book of Professional Snooker. Lowestoft: Rose Villa Publications. pp. 119–123. ISBN 0-9548549-0-X.
- ^ Al Nowais, Shireena (20 February 2021). "Emirati snooker champion pays tribute to Welsh legend Doug Mountjoy". The National. Abu Dhabi. Archived from the original on 20 February 2021.
- ^ "Tributes paid after death of Welsh snooker hero Doug Mountjoy". Irish Examiner. 14 February 2021. Archived from the original on 14 February 2021. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
- ^ "Doug Mountjoy obituary". www.thetimes.com. 16 February 2021. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
- ^ "Doug Mountjoy: Welsh snooker legend dies at 78". Eurosport. 14 February 2021. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
- ^ Media, P. A. (14 February 2021). "Former UK snooker champion Doug Mountjoy dies aged 78". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 14 February 2021. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
- ^ "Two-time UK champion Doug Mountjoy dies aged 78". Sporting Life. UK. Archived from the original on 24 November 2021. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
- ^ "Ranking History". Snooker.org. Archived from the original on 19 December 2018. Retrieved 7 November 2017.
- ^ "1981: Davis begins his reign". 18 April 2003. Archived from the original on 7 January 2021. Retrieved 16 February 2021.
- ^ "Classic". Snooker Scene. Archived from the original on 24 January 2013. Retrieved 9 June 2014.
- ^ Hayton, Eric. Cuesport Book of Professional Snooker. p. 158.
- ^ The UK Championship did not become a ranking event until 1984
- ^ a b c d "Pot Black History". Global Snooker Centre. Archived from the original on 24 December 2008.
- ^ "1977 Masters Results". Snooker Database. Archived from the original on 7 October 2011. Retrieved 5 May 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Turner, Chris. "Welsh Professional Championship". cajt.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk. Chris Turner's Snooker Archive. Archived from the original on 16 February 2012. Retrieved 12 October 2011.
- ^ "Saturday TV". The Times. 3 December 1977. p. 10 – via The Times Digital Archive. Retrieved 24 November 2019.
- ^ a b c Turner, Chris. "Kilkenny Irish Masters". Chris Turner's Snooker Archive. Archived from the original on 16 February 2012. Retrieved 18 November 2010.
- ^ "1978 Golden Masters Results". Snooker Database. Archived from the original on 8 February 2018. Retrieved 8 February 2018.
- ^ "1978 UK Championship Results Grid". Snooker Database. Archived from the original on 7 October 2011. Retrieved 30 November 2010.
- ^ "Brief History of the Pontins Open and Professional". Chris Turner's Snooker Archive. Archived from the original on 28 February 2012. Retrieved 14 November 2017.
- ^ "Snooker – Mountjoy the loser ends up in the final". The Times. 9 October 1980. p. 13.
- ^ Hayton, Eric. Cuesport Book of Professional Snooker. p. 149.
- ^ "New Zealand Masters Winners". Snooker Database. Archived from the original on 24 November 2021. Retrieved 15 December 2019.
- ^ a b "Hong Kong Masters". World Snooker. Archived from the original on 22 July 2017. Retrieved 22 June 2017.
- ^ "The Masters". Snooker Scene. Archived from the original on 24 January 2013. Retrieved 8 August 2012.
- ^ a b c "Brief History of the Pontins Open and Professional". Chris Turner's Snooker Archive. Archived from the original on 28 February 2012. Retrieved 5 February 2018.
- ^ Morrison, Ian (1986). The Hamlyn Encyclopedia of Snooker. Twickenham: Hamlyn Publishing Group. p. 147. ISBN 0600501922.
- ^ a b c d Turner, Chris. "World Cup, World Team Classic, Nations Cup". cajt.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk. Chris Turner's Snooker Archive. Archived from the original on 16 February 2012. Retrieved 3 April 2011.
- ^ Turner, Chris. "World Doubles Championship". cajt.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk. Chris Turner's Snooker Archive. Archived from the original on 16 February 2012. Retrieved 12 March 2013.
- ^ a b c "Welsh Amateur Snooker Championship". Global Snooker Centre. 2003. Archived from the original on 14 June 2004.
- ^ Everton, Clive (1981). The Guinness Book of Snooker. Enfield: Guinness Superlatives Ltd. pp. 150–153. ISBN 0851122302.
External links
[edit]
- Doug Mountjoy at the World Snooker Tour (archived)
- Doug Mountjoy at Snooker.org
Doug Mountjoy
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life and amateur career
Early life
Douglas James Mountjoy was born on 8 June 1942 in Tir-y-Berth, Gelligaer, Wales, into a working-class mining family.[1][7] His parents, Fred, a coal miner, and Rose, raised him as one of five children in a modest household near Ebbw Vale, where the coal industry dominated daily life and economic opportunities.[1] Mountjoy's childhood unfolded in the coal-mining heartland of Glamorgan, a region marked by the hardships of industrial labor and community solidarity among workers. With limited formal education, he left school early and followed his father into the mines at age 16, taking up physically demanding work at a local colliery to help support his family.[7] He labored there for nearly two decades, enduring the perils of underground work, including surviving a roof collapse at age 17 that trapped him for hours.[1][7] After long shifts in the pits, Mountjoy found respite in local working men's clubs and pubs, where he first encountered snooker as a popular pastime among the mining community.[1] This early exposure, combined with the rigors of Welsh mining culture, instilled in him a profound resilience and strong work ethic that would later define his approach to the sport.[8][7]Amateur achievements
Mountjoy began competing in local and national amateur snooker events during the 1960s while working as a coal miner in the valleys around Ebbw Vale, South Wales.[2] His early breakthrough came in 1968 when he won the Welsh Amateur Championship, defeating John Terry 6–5 in the final.[9] Mountjoy added a second Welsh Amateur title in 1976, overcoming Alwyn Lloyd 8–6 in the final.[10] That same year marked the peak of his amateur career with victory in the World Amateur Snooker Championship, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he dominated Malta's Paul Mifsud 11–1 in the final.[3] This triumph earned him an invitation to join the professional ranks, prompting the 34-year-old to leave mining and pursue snooker full-time.[11]Professional career
Breakthrough and peak years (1976–1985)
Mountjoy turned professional in 1976 at the age of 34, following his world amateur title win earlier that year.[12][3] His rapid ascent was marked by entry into the 1977 Masters as a late replacement for Eddie Charlton, where he defeated Alex Higgins 5–3 in the semi-final before edging Ray Reardon 7–6 in the final to claim his first professional title.[1] This victory propelled him into the top 16 of the world rankings by the 1977–78 season, where he finished 14th.[12] The following years solidified Mountjoy's status as a top contender during snooker's expanding popularity in the late 1970s. In 1978, he captured the UK Championship, defeating David Taylor 15–9 in the final at Preston Guild Hall, highlighted by a 120 break in the decisive frame. He added the Irish Masters title in 1979, overcoming Ray Reardon 6–5 in the final.[12] That same year, Mountjoy won Pot Black, beating Graham Miles 2–1 in the final, a televised event that boosted his visibility among BBC audiences during the sport's golden era.[1] In 1980, he secured his first Welsh Professional Championship, defeating Reardon 9–6 in the final held in Ebbw Vale.[3] Mountjoy's peak came at the 1981 World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre, where he advanced to the final as the 14th seed. He defeated Willie Thorne 10–6 in the first round, Eddie Charlton 13–7 in the second round, and Dennis Taylor 13–8 in the quarter-finals. During the semi-final against Reardon, Mountjoy compiled a then-championship record break of 145, pocketing blacks after all but one red.[1] He won the semi-final 16–10 before losing the final 18–12 to Steve Davis, the 23-year-old qualifier marking the start of Davis's dominance.[3] This runner-up finish elevated Mountjoy to sixth in the world rankings for the 1981–82 season. He maintained top-10 consistency through 1985 and reached a career-high of fifth in 1989.[12][13] Throughout this period, Mountjoy's earnings reflected his prominence, with the 1981 final alone netting £10,000 as runner-up, amid snooker's rising commercial appeal.[5] He won a second Pot Black title in 1985, defeating Jimmy White 2–0 in the final, underscoring his enduring popularity in non-ranking events.[1]Later career and resurgence (1986–1997)
Following his peak in the early 1980s, Mountjoy experienced a decline in form during the mid-1980s, exacerbated by the emergence of younger talents such as Steve Davis and Jimmy White, which contributed to his ranking falling outside the top 16 by 1988.[3][1] This period marked a slump in his competitive results, with fewer deep runs in major tournaments as the sport's intensity increased.[3] Mountjoy staged a remarkable resurgence at the age of 46 by winning the 1988 UK Championship, defeating Stephen Hendry 16–12 in the final to secure his first ranking title in a decade.[8][2] This victory, held at the Preston Guild Hall, highlighted his enduring tactical acumen and resilience, propelling him back into the spotlight.[8] He built on this momentum by claiming the 1989 Mercantile Credit Classic, beating Wayne Jones 13–11 in the final at the Norbreck Castle Hotel in Blackpool, which marked his second consecutive ranking event triumph.[14] Additionally, Mountjoy added to his collection of Welsh Professional Championship titles in 1987, defeating Steve Newbury 9–7, and in 1989, overcoming Terry Griffiths 9–6.[15] In 1993, Mountjoy was diagnosed with lung cancer, leading to the surgical removal of one lung, which severely impacted his stamina and physical endurance on the table.[1][2] These health challenges contributed to ongoing qualifying difficulties in the mid-1990s, culminating in his retirement from professional snooker in 1997 after losing in the last 96 of the World Championship to Tony Drago.[16] His final top-level appearance came that year, though he made a brief comeback attempt by entering the 2002 World Championship qualifying rounds, where he exited in the pre-qualifying stage.[16]Playing style and legacy
Playing style
Doug Mountjoy was renowned for his solid safety play and exceptional long potting accuracy, which formed the cornerstone of his technical approach to snooker. He favored a methodical style, prioritizing percentage-based shots and tactical frame-building over high-risk attacks, relying initially on natural instinct honed through years of amateur play before professional success.[7][17] His strengths included excellent cue ball control and tactical acumen, allowing him to construct high breaks efficiently; for instance, he compiled a record-breaking 145 break during the 1981 World Championship semi-final. Mountjoy's on-table persona was one of focus and resilience, often displaying a cheerful demeanor even in intense matches, which contrasted with the more volatile styles of contemporaries. However, he exhibited occasional temperament issues under pressure, becoming tentative in close frames due to mental doubts about his technique. Compared to players like Alex Higgins, known for their flamboyant flair, Mountjoy's approach was less showy but reliably effective in building positions.[1][7][17] Distinctive habits included his preference for colorful ruffled shirts, which added to his TV appeal during the 1970s and 1980s. In later years, Mountjoy evolved his game toward a more safety-heavy emphasis after undergoing technical coaching with Frank Callan in 1988, compensating for inconsistencies stemming from his unconventional early cueing action and adapting to age-related challenges. This overhaul enabled comebacks like his 1988 UK Championship victory at age 46.[7][17][1]Legacy and influence
Doug Mountjoy is widely recognized as one of Wales' greatest snooker players, alongside Ray Reardon, for his pivotal role in elevating the sport's prominence during its golden era in the 1970s and 1980s.[1] His achievements, including reaching the 1981 World Championship final and securing multiple major titles, positioned him as a national icon who helped Wales dominate international competitions, such as winning the first two World Challenge Cups.[7] Mountjoy's journey from a coal miner's son in the South Wales valleys to a professional champion resonated deeply, symbolizing upward mobility and inspiring working-class communities where snooker clubs served as vital social hubs.[18] Mountjoy's relatable "miner's son" narrative and frequent television appearances significantly contributed to snooker's popularity boom in the 1980s, particularly through BBC programs like Pot Black, where he won twice and captivated audiences with his skillful play and charismatic presence.[1] His success helped transform the sport from a niche pursuit into a mainstream spectacle, drawing in viewers from similar modest backgrounds and fostering a new generation of enthusiasts in industrial regions.[7] This cultural impact extended to influencing future Welsh talents, such as three-time world champion Mark Williams, who practiced with Mountjoy as a boy and cited him—alongside Reardon and Terry Griffiths—as a key inspirational figure from the working-class milieu that shaped his own career.[1][19] After retiring from competitive play in 1997, Mountjoy's influence continued through coaching, notably as head coach for the United Arab Emirates Snooker Association from 1997 to 1999, where he mentored emerging players with an emphasis on discipline, fundamental techniques, and consistent improvement.[20] His methods laid the groundwork for Emirati success, as seen in the career of Mohamed Shehab, the nation's first player to reach an Asian Snooker Championship final, who credited Mountjoy's foundational guidance for his achievements.[20] Returning to Wales, Mountjoy coached local players and remained active in community clubs, promoting the sport's accessibility in grassroots settings.[1] Mountjoy's enduring legacy was highlighted in posthumous tributes following his death in 2021, including widespread acclaim from the snooker world for his gentlemanly demeanor and contributions to the game's growth.[3] In 2023, the BBC's Legends of Welsh Sport series dedicated an episode to his life, underscoring his role in Welsh sporting history and his inspiration for players from humble origins, ensuring his story continues to motivate aspiring talents in working-class communities.[18][8]Personal life and death
Family and personal interests
Mountjoy married Yvonne, a hairdresser who died in 2009, and the couple had two children: a daughter named Yvette and a son named Caerleon.[1][6] Their family life was centered in Wales, where Mountjoy's mining roots fostered strong family values, and he remained actively involved as a father, taking the children to school and preparing meals while supported initially by his mining income and later by snooker earnings.[6] Despite the demands of professional travel, the family stayed close-knit, with Yvonne often attending tournaments.[20] Outside of snooker, Mountjoy enjoyed a grounded life in the Welsh Valleys, frequently playing the game recreationally in local working men's clubs well into his seventies, reflecting his deep ties to the community.[7][6] He was known for his jovial personality, marked by a booming laugh and cheerful demeanor, often entertaining with songs like "Danny Boy" after a few beers, embodying a humble and humorous spirit rooted in traditional Welsh working-class culture.[1][6] Mountjoy avoided the spotlight after his peak fame, preferring a low-key existence coaching locally and engaging with the snooker scene in Blaenau Gwent.[7]Health issues and death
In 1993, Doug Mountjoy was diagnosed with lung cancer, a condition linked to his longtime heavy smoking habit. Weeks after qualifying for the World Snooker Championship at age 50, he underwent surgery to remove one of his lungs.[1][3] The surgery significantly reduced his lung capacity, resulting in chronic fatigue that hampered his stamina during matches and ultimately forced him into semi-retirement from professional competition. Mountjoy shifted focus to coaching, including roles in Dubai and mentoring emerging talents such as Mark Williams, before fully retiring in 1997.[1][21] Mountjoy spent his final years living quietly in Wales, where he continued playing snooker recreationally at local clubs well into his 70s. He died from a stroke on 14 February 2021 at the age of 78 in Newport, Gwent.[1][6][22] Following his passing, the World Snooker Tour issued a statement mourning the loss of one of the sport's leading figures from the 1970s and 1980s, praising his two UK Championship titles and his enduring passion for snooker. Tributes poured in from the snooker community, with players like Cliff Thorburn recalling Mountjoy's skillful play and Shaun Murphy highlighting his gentlemanly character; his funeral was held privately in Wales shortly thereafter.[21]Career statistics
Performance and rankings timeline
Doug Mountjoy turned professional in 1976 and competed until 1997, achieving his highest ranking of No. 5 at the end of the 1990/91 season. He entered the rankings at No. 14 at the end of the 1977/78 season and secured 11 consecutive top-16 finishes from 1977/78 to 1987/88. After dropping out of the top 16 in 1988/89, a late-career resurgence propelled him back into the elite group through the 1991/92 season. Participation declined post-1993 due to health problems, including heart issues that forced retirements and eventual retirement. Across his career, Mountjoy won approximately 50% of his ranking event matches and compiled 49 century breaks.[23][24] The following table summarizes his progression in key tournaments, using standard notations: NR (non-ranked), LQ (did not qualify), 1R/2R (1st/2nd round), QF (quarter-finals), SF (semi-finals), F (runner-up), W (winner), A (did not participate), NH (not held), R (retired).| Season | Ranking | World Championship | UK Championship | Masters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976/77 | NR | QF | NH | W |
| 1977/78 | 14 | 1R | F | QF |
| 1978/79 | 14 | 1R | W | SF |
| 1979/80 | 13 | 2R | 2R | A |
| 1980/81 | 14 | F | 1R | QF |
| 1981/82 | 6 | 2R | 2R | QF |
| 1982/83 | 7 | 2R | 2R | SF |
| 1983/84 | 12 | QF | 2R | 1R |
| 1984/85 | 15 | 2R | 2R | F |
| 1985/86 | 15 | 2R | 2R | 1R |
| 1986/87 | 14 | 2R | 2R | QF |
| 1987/88 | 14 | 2R | 1R | 1R |
| 1988/89 | 24 | 1R | W | A |
| 1989/90 | 10 | 2R | 1R | QF |
| 1990/91 | 5 | 1R | 2R | 1R |
| 1991/92 | 10 | 1R | 1R | 1R |
| 1992/93 | 26 | 2R | 2R | LQ |
| 1993/94 | 30 | LQ | 2R | LQ |
| 1994/95 | 26 | LQ | 1R | A |
| 1995/96 | 36 | LQ | 1R | A |
| 1996/97 | 59 | LQ | LQ | A |
Ranking finals
Mountjoy reached four ranking event finals during his professional career, winning two of them.[2]| Year | Tournament | Opponent | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | World Snooker Championship | Steve Davis | Runner-up | 12–18[26] |
| 1988 | UK Championship | Stephen Hendry | Winner | 16–12[27] |
| 1989 | Classic | Wayne Jones | Winner | 13–11[28] |
| 1989 | Dubai Classic | Stephen Hendry | Runner-up | 2–9[29] |