From Deauville to Portomaso... In the footsteps of a world ranking classic

Snooker is said to have had its origin among British officers in India around 1875. Like many other innovations of 'British Origin', the game spread to a great extent mainly to the lands where the Union Jack had flown distinctively since the days of the glorious Empire.

The game has remained predominantly a British domination; its spread to continental Europe was however significantly boosted when 15 years ago the World Snooker Association introduced a new event - The European Open.

Since its inception the new competition was endowed with the status of a world-ranking event and planned to be staged in different European destinations.

The French City of Deauville hosted the first tournament in 1989. John Parrott and Terry Griffiths featured in that final with Parrott squeezing through to a 9-8 victory. The event's first 147 was registered by Canadian Alain Robidoux in the qualifying rounds held at Blackpool.

France played host again the following year, this time in Lyon. On that occasion it was not only the French setting that was a 'double' to the previous edition but even in line honours... Parrott clinched the title once again this time with a 10-8 win over Stephen Hendry.

The 1991 European Open moved to Rotterdam, Holland. This edition was characterised with an element of surprise, which undoubtedly stimulated great enthusiasm and interest.

One by one all the big boys faded away from the scenario with two unfamiliar faces, Tony Jones, ranked 36th, and world No.60 Mark Johnston-Allen, gallantly battling through to the final. Here, it turned out a memorable day for Nottinghamshire's Jones. He won 9-7 to secure his only major title of his career.

The following year Johnston-Allen continued with his positive performance in the Open when at Tongeren, Belgium, he again reached the final. But, once again, the Bristol cuiest had to settle with the runners-up position this time going down 9-3 to Jimmy White.

The three consecutive editions of The European Open, namely those of 1993, 1994 and 1995, were all held in Antwerp, Belgium.

This experience brought into the limelight two of the game's greatest protagonists - Steve Davis and Hendry. In 1993 they made it to the final with Davis showing his great talent on the day with a 10-4 victory.

But following this defeat, Hendry settled firmly on Belgian soil. In the next two tournaments, he was the winner on both occasions, having the better of Ronnie O'Sullivan and Parrott.

After a five-year spell playing in northern Europe, The European Open moved to the Mediterranean, or better still this prestigious tournament came home to us.

Yes, finally the vigorous endeavours of Snooker Promotions (Malta) to present local enthusiasts with top-level events and the ambition to put Malta on the professional international circuit became a reality.

The 1996 edition resulted in a moment of fulfilment for Parrott who completed his hat-trick of European tiles with a 9-7 defeat of Peter Ebdon in the final. Parrott has one of the best records when playing abroad. In fact, he has won trophies in more than nine countries.

Malta was again favoured to host the Open the following year where Parrott kept his dazzling bond with this event by making it again to the final - his fourth in nine years. Yet, on this occasion the Everton fan went down 9-5 to John Higgins.

For the next three years - 1998-2000 - The European Open was not held and this noteworthy event played on continental Europe was replaced by the German Open.

However, The European Open took off again in 2001 and Malta was again chosen to host the 10th edition. While the 1996 edition was a personal triumph for Parrott, the 2001 Open brought great pride to 'Hendry the Great' who on defeating Joe Perry 9-2 in the final, also clinched his third European Open title.

Last season, for the first time in its history, the event was staged in England. Torquay proved a popular venue, as the tournament was a sell-out practically every day.

Hendry looked set to collect his fourth title but 'The Rocket' had his own plans. Renowned as a regular century-breaks front-runner, O'Sullivan marked his impressive performance with wheezing runs of 142, 140 and 126 and secured his first European Open with a 9-6 victory in what was described as a high quality final.

And for the 2004 edition Malta will, once again, welcome 'Snooker's Wonder Boys' for the 12th European Open.

While the past three editions here brought to the limelight the imposing facilities of the Mediterranean Conference Centre, on this occasion talent will blend smoothly with good taste as the Open will be staged at the exclusive Hilton Malta Conference Centre at Portomaso.

Ironically, the imposing 955m2 auditorium hosting the tournament, between March 1 and 6, is known as the Grand Masters Suite - indeed an appropriate name when so many 'Masters of the Green Baize' will be in action.

This Malta appointment will not only yield precious points for the overall ranking, points for the newly-created Order of Merit, but also a total prize-fund of £400,000 is at stake with £48,000 going to the winner.

With a stunning presentation of 33 top players, including Mark Williams, Ronnie O'Sullivan, John Higgins, Ken Doherty, Stephen Hendry, Steve Davies, Jimmy White and Malta's Tony Drago, the 2004 European Open has all the qualities and potential of a grand spectacle.

Naturally, the million-dollar question remains - who will win the title?

Will it be one of the past winners, or will it be one of the other big names that still have to taste victory in the event, or will it be a surprise edition?

Well, we will soon find out, as it is now only a matter of days before the potting starts. While wishing all players the best of luck we anxiously look forward to an exciting and spectacular tournament.