1973 Men of the Midlands

The 1973 Men of the Midlands was a professional invitational snooker tournament, that took place in January and February 1973 The tournament was won by Alex Higgins, who defeated Ray Reardon 5–3 in the final.

1973 Men of the Midlands

Tournament information
Dates	January – February 1973
Venue	various
Country	England
Format	Non-ranking event
Winner's share	£500
Final
Champion	Alex Higgins (NIR)
Runner-up	Ray Reardon (WAL)
Score	5–3
← 1972 Last →

The competition featured a round-robin group stage, with four world snooker champions, John Pulman, John Spencer, Reardon and Higgins each playing the other three once.[1] Reardon finished on top of the group table.[2]

In the final, Higgins won the first frame, making a break of 47, and Reardon won the next making a break of 45. Higgins won the next to lead 3–1. Reardon won the fifth frame, but Higgins achieved victory by winning the sixth frame with a break of 70 and going on to take the match 5–3.[2]

The tournament was sponsored by Mitchells and Butlers.[1] Higgins earnt £500 prize money as champion.[3]

Final

[3]

Final: Best-of-9 frames. Whispering Wheels Club, Wolverhampton, 5 February 1973
Alex Higgins			5–3	Ray Reardon
Frame	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Alex Higgins	75	56	75	82	31	82	49	86
Ray Reardon	5	58	48	38	77	39	72	52
Frames won (Higgins first)	1–0	1–1	2–1	3–1	3–2	4–2	4–3	5–3
Alex Higgins wins the 1973 Men of the Midlands title

References

1. "Spencer puts on style". Coventry Evening Telegraph. Coventry. 25 January 1973. p. 50.
2. "Higgins too hot for Ray". Belfast Telegraph. Belfast. 6 February 1973. p. 17.
3. "Higgins takes Men of Midlands title". Birmingham Daily Post. Birmingham. 6 February 1973. p. 25.