A star is born

The official logo of the 12th European Open presented a plain concept having just the title, European Open, with a billiard ball placed between the two words to denote the association between title and event. Two other characteristics to specify its European correlation were the blue colour of the ball and the star.

Today, with the event over and recorded in snooker's archives as a highly successful edition, one wonders whether the colour of the 'ball' in the logo was inadvertently foretelling that the star of the show was to be a Scot - blue being proudly connotative with St Andrew - the patron saint of Scotland.

Well, leaving suppositions, illusions, opinions and interpretations aside the reality is one: Stephen Maguire a talented 22-year-old Glaswegian, who at the beginning of the tournament was just one of 16 other qualifiers modestly hoping for a good performance against the world's best 16 players, ended up outshining all the established stars to clinch his first prestigious ranking title.

A former British U-16 champion and also winner of one of six places in the first World Snooker Young Players of Distinction programme, Maguire has for some years now been tipped for stardom by none other than Stephen Hendry - one of his regular practice partner.

On paper it seemed unlikely that Maguire, 41 in the world rankings, would advance beyond the last 32-stage of the competition when his opponent on the opening night was the world no.7 and world champion Peter Ebdon. Yet, on the 'green baize' the story proved otherwise - the young Scotsman managed a 5-4 'surprise' victory.

Day two presented the promising potter with another interesting encounter against Joe Perry, the world no.16 and losing finalist of the 2001 European Open held in Malta. It may be appropriate to regard something happening for the first time as a 'surprise' but a repeat performance would only be a sensitive indication that something fascinating was happening. And it did happen as Maguire also defeated the Londoner 5-4.

This victory meant a mammoth quarter-final challenge; playing against fellow Scotsman John Higgins, the world no. 4 and another world champion.

Commenting to the press on arrival Higgins had remarked that there were times when coming to Malta for a tournament was regarded as coming over for a holiday.

"This is not any more," he said.

And how justified his comments were as the winner of the 1997 European Open, held also in Malta, paid heavily for missing out on some good chances to eventually lose 5-3.

On reaching his first-ever ranking event semi-final Maguire gained more confidence and appeared calmer. His opponent was another big name, Stephen Lee, but Maguire continued with his giant-killing run as he crushed the Wiltshire professional, who has three ranking tournaments to his credit, to a 6-4 defeat thus making his first ever major final.

Undoubtedly, if on arrival in Malta six days earlier someone would have hinted to Maguire that he would make it to the final, the Scotsman definitely would have replied 'wishful thinking.'

But this was now real and Maguire was facing Mr Whirlwind himself. Jimmy White, one of snooker's most respected names, had already met Maguire on four previous occasions and their direct encounter record stood at 2-2.

A fervent sense of determination and the sweet odour of close victory must have counter-balanced for the young Scotsman's lack of experience in prestigious finals. His performance was impeccable going in command from the very start and practically making sure of the title in the first session by winning seven of the scheduled eight frames.

Maguire was simply brilliant further crowning his remarkable 9-3 final victory with two century breaks, a 103 and a 137, the highest break compiled in this Malta edition.

"Stephen played a tremendous match and rarely put a foot wrong," commented White at the end of the final, a victory which besides bringing about sudden fame also gave the Scotsman a £48,000 first prize handshake.

Drago's fine show

Maguire was undoubtedly the superstar of the 2004 European Open. However, one could look back with great pride and satisfaction upon this 12th edition in total.

Tony Drago gave one of his best ever snooker performances in front of the local crowds who wholeheartedly supported the Tornado throughout his bold successful run-up to the semi-finals.

Just one step from making the final of a ranking event, Drago lost 6-4 to White. Yet, the crowd showed their appreciation for his gallant feat and gave him a commendable standing ovation as he left the packed playing arena. Here one cannot fail to recall the keen interest shown by the local snooker enthusiasts. Although on this occasion a good number of matches were transmitted live on TV, still the playing arena was practically always full.

This event was definitely of great significance to Snooker Promotions who once again confirmed their professional commitment at this high level of play.

Being entrusted by the World Snooker Association with the organisation of a fifth ranking event in a short span of eight years was undoubtedly the 'icing over the cake', this year being the 10th anniversary since their first event.

On such a demanding engagement Malta once again proved it has the aptitude to feature among the leading locations on the professional international snooker circuit. The exclusive facilities at the Hilton Malta Conference Centre at Portomaso, which hosted the tournament, together with the Hilton Malta accommodation arrangements contributed to present a successful blend of business and relaxation environment to the satisfaction of all concerned.

The smooth operation of the travel requisites of all foreign participants, officials and press by Air Malta, once again one of the main sponsors, was most significant.

In his short address at the end of the final, Jimmy Chambers, Director of World Snooker Association, expressed his organisation's gratitude and compliments to all those who had contributed to make this edition of the European Open an overwhelming success.

Among the many important contributors, he mentioned the referees and here Malta was also represented by three officials - Michael Attard Montalto, Paul Galea and Terry Camilleri - whose proficient running of their role has gained them the respect and trust of all concerned particularly that of the Professional Referees Association.

Yes, Maguire was the superstar of the European Open but the sky over Portomaso during the week of the tournament was constantly twinkling with other significant shooting stars creating a dynamic, yet serene, scenario.

Finally, on behalf of all local snooker enthusiasts I wish Stephen Maguire a happy birthday and many years of success, good health and happiness. Yesterday, Stephen turned 23. After his memorable 'Malta Experience', he must have celebrated a very special birthday.