2002 Masters (snooker)

Professional non-ranking snooker tournament, Feb 2002 March 2019 March 2019 2002 Benson & Hedges Masters 2002 02 3 2002 02 10 y Wembley Conference Centre London England WPBSA Non-ranking event £695,000 £190,000 Ronnie O'Sullivan ENG (138) Paul Hunter ENG Mark Williams WAL 10–9 2001 2003 The 2002 Masters (officially the 2002 Benson & Hedges Masters) was a professional invitational snooker tournament held at the Wembley Conference Centre, London from 3 to 10 February 2002. It was the 28th edition of The Masters, a Triple Crown event, and the penultimate invitational event in the 2001–02 snooker season. It followed the 2001 Scottish Masters and preceded the 2002 Irish Masters. Sponsored by the cigarette company Benson & Hedges, the event featured the top 16 from the snooker world rankings and two wild cards. The competition had a total prize fund of £650,000, with £175,000 going to the winner. Paul Hunter was the tournament's defending champion and qualified for the final with victories over Stephen Lee, Peter Ebdon and Alan McManus in the preceding rounds as Mark Williams reached the same stage by defeating Mark King, Stephen Hendry and Jimmy White. Hunter defeated Williams 10–9 (ten frame frames to nine) to win the second of three Masters titles. Ronnie O'Sullivan compiled the tournament's highest break, a 138 total clearance, in the fourth frame of his first round match with Joe Swail. Overview The Masters is an invitational snooker tournament that was first held in 1975;Burnett Mike 31 January 2002 Masters milestones https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/snooker/benson_and_hedges_masters_2002/1764505.stm live https://web.archive.org/web/20040613122114/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/snooker/benson_and_hedges_masters_2002/1764505.stm 13 June 2004 16 November 2020 BBC Sport the top-16 players from the snooker world rankings as well as a sponsors' selection entrant and the Benson and Hedges Championship victor invited to participate as wild cards for the 2002 competition.Weir Stewart 4 June 2001 B & H Masters http://www.110sport.com/snooker/cont/trn/sched/bhmasters01.php dead https://web.archive.org/web/20010628051221/http://www.110sport.com/snooker/cont/trn/sched/bhmasters01.php 28 June 2001 16 November 2020 110Sport It is one of the three Triple Crown events in the game of snooker; the others being the World Snooker Championship and the UK Championship,The Dafabet Masters World Snooker http://www.worldsnooker.com/tournaments/masters/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20150418171435/http://www.worldsnooker.com/tournaments/masters/ 18 April 2015 4 September 2016 but it is not a ranking tournament. As an invitational event, it carried no world ranking points.Everton Clive Clive Everton 28 January 2002 Hunter's Masters hopes https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/snooker/benson_and_hedges_masters_2002/1787552.stm live https://web.archive.org/web/20021015174348/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/snooker/benson_and_hedges_masters_2002/1787552.stm 15 October 2002 16 November 2020 BBC Sport The 2002 Masters was its 28th staging,Brief History of the Masters (Formerly the Benson & Hedges Masters) http://www.cajt.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/masters.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110724180053/http://www.cajt.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/masters.html 24 July 2011 4 September 2016 Chris Turner's Snooker Archive dmy-all and the penultimate World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) invitational event of the 2001–02 season, following the 2001 Scottish Masters and preceding the 2002 Irish Masters. It was held from 3 to 10 February 2002, at the Wembley Conference Centre, London, England.Benson & Hedges Masters 2002 http://www.snooker.org/trn/0102/bm2002_res.shtml 24 October 2010 Snooker.org 20 January 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120120181851/http://www.snooker.org/trn/0102/bm2002_res.shtml live Sponsored by the tobacco company Benson & Hedges, it had a total prize fund of £695,000, with £190,000 going to the winner,2002 Benson & Hedges Masters http://www.azbilliards.com/snooker/2001-02/02bhmasters.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20030517091710/http://www.azbilliards.com/snooker/2001-02/02bhmasters.html 17 May 2003 16 November 2020 AZBilliards and the host broadcaster was the BBC. Every match was played as best-of-11 frame frames, except for the final which was the best-of-19 frames. World champion Ronnie O'Sullivan was installed as the favourite by bookmakers to win the tournament.2 February 2002 Master O'Sullivan favoured for title; Snooker 36 The Times https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A82446641/AONE?u=wikipedia&sid=AONE&xid=fb816043 live subscription 16 November 2020 Gale Academic OneFile 9 December 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201209121946/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=AONE&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA82446641&v=2.1&it=r&sid=AONE&asid=fb816043Humphries Adrian 2 February 2002 Snooker: Rocket to end his seven-year itch 108 Racing Post https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A82423059/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=bdcd0078 live subscription 16 November 2020 Gale OneFile: News 9 December 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201209121946/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA82423059&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=bdcd0078 Stephen Hendry, the six-times Masters champion, commented on his prospects of a seventh title: "There is no doubt that this is one of the most difficult tournaments to win. For the players it is second only to the Embassy [World Snooker Championship] in terms of prestige. But I feel I have certainly got as good a chance as anybody."Slegg Chris 31 January 2002 Hendry seeks seventh heaven https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/snooker/benson_and_hedges_masters_2002/1768897.stm live https://web.archive.org/web/20020911070657/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/snooker/benson_and_hedges_masters_2002/1768897.stm 11 September 2002 16 November 2020 BBC Sport Prize fund The breakdown of prize money for the 2002 Masters is shown below:Prize Money Breakdown http://worldsnooker.com/snooker_media_centre/bandh_masters2002/money.asp dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020207235255/http://www.worldsnooker.com/snooker_media_centre/bandh_masters2002/money.asp 7 February 2002 16 November 2020 World Snooker Winner: £190,000 Runner-up: £95,000 Semi-finals: £47,500 Quarter-finals: £37,000 Second round: £18,000 First round: £11,000 Highest break: £21,000 Total: £695,000 Tournament summary Qualifying The Benson and Hedges Championship held at the Towers Snooker Club, Mansfield from 4 to 15 November 2001 determined a wild card qualifier for the Masters. Players ranked outside the top 16 in the world rankings were allowed to enter.26 October 2001 Higginson's on cue Warrington Guardian https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/5279187.higginsons-on-cue/ live 16 November 2020 9 December 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201209121948/https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/5279187.higginsons-on-cue/ Ryan Day qualified for the final with victories over Steven Bennie, Drew Henry, Paul Davies, Stuart Bingham, Ian McCulloch, Lee Walker and Sean Storey, where he played Hugh Abernethy, who defeated Ian Sargeant, Dominic Dale, Nick Dyson, Anthony Davies, Mark Gray and Shaun Murphy.Benson & Hedges Championship Tournament Scores http://www.110sport.com/snooker/cont/trn/results/res53.htm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20011218233659/http://www.110sport.com/snooker/cont/trn/results/res53.htm 18 December 2001 17 November 2020 110Sport Day became the competition's first Welsh winner since 1995 when he beat Abernethy 9–5 to enter the Masters and won £5,000 prize money for winning.16 November 2001 Good Day for Ryan 60 South Wales Echo https://www.proquest.com/docview/342023289 live subscription 17 November 2020 9 December 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201209121949/https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special%3AUserLogin&uselang=en&returnto=Special%3AOAuth%2Fauthenticate&returntoquery=%26oauth_consumer_key%3Dc656df92ac58925bbcb164666bde5baf%26oauth_token%3Db13203c0378717a69f903e4ae4ff7dcc 342023289 Murphy compiled a maximum break in frame two of his 5–2 Last 32 win over Adrian Rosa, the second of his career, the second of the season, the fourth in tournament history and the 44th overall.The three preceding maximum breaks in the Benson and Hedges Championship were made by Terry Murphy, Karl Burrows and David McLellan.13 November 2001 Murphy makes magical max Irish Examiner https://www.proquest.com/docview/757162352 live subscription 17 November 2020 9 December 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201209121949/https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special%3AUserLogin&uselang=en&returnto=Special%3AOAuth%2Fauthenticate&returntoquery=%26oauth_consumer_key%3Dc656df92ac58925bbcb164666bde5baf%26oauth_token%3Da99db65fafecbdf475192c6622ea82b9 757162352 At 19 years and 3 months, Murphy was the second youngest player to achieve a maximum break in professional snooker.13 November 2001 Murphy pockets maximum; Snooker 6 The Times https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A80029395/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=103db2ac live subscription 17 November 2020 Gale Academic OneFile 9 December 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201209121947/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA80029395&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=103db2ac Round 1 The first round, in which the two wild cards and those ranked 15th and 16th participated, took place from 3 to 4 February.24 December 2001 Davis and Day Complete Benson and Hedges Masters Line-Up http://worldsnooker.com/snooker_media_centre/bandh_masters2002/articleshow.asp?articleID=589&category=52 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20030415204129/http://worldsnooker.com/snooker_media_centre/bandh_masters2002/articleshow.asp?articleID=589&category=52 15 April 2003 17 November 2020 World Snooker Fergal O'Brien, the 2001 runner-up, overturned a 2–5 deficit to the sponsor's wild card selection Steve Davis and took the final four frames to win 6–5 with a match-high break of 97.Hendon David 3 February 2002 Not Quite Plain Sailing For Fergal http://www.110sport.com/snooker/cont/php/utils/displaypage.php?page=/snooker/cont/art/na05050.php dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020213234521/http://www.110sport.com/snooker/cont/php/utils/displaypage.php?page=%2Fsnooker%2Fcont%2Fart%2Fna05050.php 13 February 2002 17 November 2020 110Sport Day, playing with a different cue stick after leaving his old one on a train returning from an event in Glasgow,4 February 2002 Day arrives right on cue for Masters South Wales Echo https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Day+arrives+right+on+cue+for+Masters-a082506827 live 17 November 2020 The Free Library 9 December 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201209121946/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Day+arrives+right+on+cue+for+Masters-a082506827 beat world number 15 Dave Harold 6–3 in his Masters debut following a clearance from the brown ball to the pink ball in frame seven.Hendon David 4 February 2002 King Harold Falls to Ryan's Slaughter http://www.110sport.com/snooker/cont/php/utils/displaypage.php?page=/snooker/cont/art/na05054.php dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020213235451/http://www.110sport.com/snooker/cont/php/utils/displaypage.php?page=%2Fsnooker%2Fcont%2Fart%2Fna05054.php 13 February 2002 17 November 2020 110Sport4 February 2002 Day's Dream Debut http://worldsnooker.com/snooker_media_centre/bandh_masters2002/articleshow.asp?articleID=658&category=52 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020208054047/http://www.worldsnooker.com/snooker_media_centre/bandh_masters2002/articleshow.asp?articleID=658&category=52 8 February 2002 3 January 2021 World Snooker Round 2 thumb|right|alt=Ronnie O'Sullivan playing a snooker shot at a snooker competition with a crowd watching him|Ronnie O'Sullivan compiled the tournament's highest break of 138 in the second round. Both of the first round winners played and those ranked 1st to 14 played in the second round held from 3 to 6 February. Paul Hunter, the reigning Masters winner, came from 2–3 behind the 2001 LG Cup victor Stephen Lee to win 6–3 with breaks of 101, 69 and 69; Lee accumulated 32 points in the last four frames.Hendon David 3 February 2002 Lee Left Trailing By Classy Hunter http://www.110sport.com/snooker/cont/php/utils/displaypage.php?page=/snooker/cont/art/na05053.php dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020214000130/http://www.110sport.com/snooker/cont/php/utils/displaypage.php?page=%2Fsnooker%2Fcont%2Fart%2Fna05053.php 14 February 2002 17 November 2020 110Sport John Higgins, the 1999 Masters champion, lost the first two frames to fellow Scot Alan McManus but won the next four to lead 4–2. McManus went 5–4 ahead with breaks of 50 and 102 before Higgins' 78 break in frame ten forced a final frame decider. McManus won the final frame on the brown for a 6–5 victory after Higgins went in-off the brown trying to escape from a snooker.3 February 2002 Wembley Drought Continues For Higgins http://worldsnooker.com/snooker_media_centre/bandh_masters2002/articleshow.asp?articleID=656&category=52 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20030415204748/http://worldsnooker.com/snooker_media_centre/bandh_masters2002/articleshow.asp?articleID=656&category=52 15 April 2003 17 November 2020 World Snooker Higgins did not attend the compulsory press conference because he was upset with his form.Yates Phil 4 February 2002 Higgins is lost for words after early exit; Snooker 7 The Times https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A82498030/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=19686c12 live subscription 17 November 2020 Gale Academic OneFile 9 December 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201209121948/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA82498030&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=19686c12 1984 Masters winner Jimmy White led Matthew Stevens 5–0 before the latter stopped a whitewash with a 73 break in frame six. White won frame seven and the match 6–1 with breaks of 32 and 36 overturning Stevens' 53–0 lead in that frame.Jones Marc 5 February 2002 Snooker: Vintage show from White 23 The Independent https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A82503705/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=768d52f3 live subscription 17 November 2020 Gale General OneFile 9 December 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201209121948/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA82503705&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=768d52f3 O'Brien played two-time Masters runner-up Ken Doherty, with O'Brien leading 4–0 before Doherty won three frames in a row to be 4–3 behind. O'Brien claimed frames eight and nine to win 6–5.Hendon David 4 February 2002 Fearless Fergal Fights Clear of Doherty http://www.110sport.com/snooker/cont/php/utils/displaypage.php?page=/snooker/cont/art/na05058.php dead https://web.archive.org/web/20030510165731/http://www.110sport.com/snooker/cont/php/utils/displaypage.php?page=%2Fsnooker%2Fcont%2Fart%2Fna05058.php 10 May 2003 17 November 2020 110Sport Hendry took 138 minutes to whitewash Day 6–0 with breaks of 89, 60, 103, 91 and 84 and accumulated 572 points to Day's 120.Everton Clive 6 February 2002 Ruthless Hendry ends Day dreams The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2002/feb/06/snooker.cliveeverton live 17 November 2020 13 June 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140613044448/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2002/feb/06/snooker.cliveevertonDee John 6 February 2002 Snooker: Ruthless Hendry enjoys clean sweep The Daily Telegraph https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/snooker/2430055/Snooker-Ruthless-Hendry-enjoys-clean-sweep.html live 17 November 2020 29 February 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160229020732/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/snooker/2430055/Snooker-Ruthless-Hendry-enjoys-clean-sweep.html Asked whether he was sympathetic to Day, Hendry replied, "Why? Marcus Campbell didn't feel sorry for me. You just want to destroy an opponent. That's how it's always been with me." World number 7 Peter Ebdon came from 1–4 behind world number 14 and tournament debutant Graeme Dott to produce breaks of 124 and 84 in claiming five frames in succession and winning 6–4 in 3 hours and 56 minutes.6 February 2002 Hendry hits top form to whitewash Day The Herald https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12143934.hendry-hits-top-form-to-whitewash-day/ live 17 November 2020 26 November 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201126001446/https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12143934.hendry-hits-top-form-to-whitewash-day/ 1998 Masters champion Mark Williams took 1 hour and 53 minutes to defeat world number 13 Mark King 6–1, including a clearance of 127 in the fourth frame and breaks of 58, 40 and 48; King stopped a whitewash by winning frame two on 55 break.Hendon David 6 February 2002 Williams and Hendry Renew Wembley Rivalry http://www.110sport.com/snooker/cont/php/utils/displaypage.php?page=/snooker/cont/art/na05072.php dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020213235818/http://www.110sport.com/snooker/cont/php/utils/displaypage.php?page=%2Fsnooker%2Fcont%2Fart%2Fna05072.php 13 February 2002 17 November 2020 110SportWilde Jon 7 February 2002 Williams expects Hendry storm; Snooker: Benson & Hedges Masters 38 Western Mail https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A82587908/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=bc854485 live subscription 17 November 2020 Gale OneFile: News 9 December 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201209122003/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA82587908&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=bc854485 O'Sullivan played Joe Swail in the last first round match. Tied at 1–1, O'Sullivan produced a break of 50 in frame three and a 138 total clearance in frame four to lead 3–1. Swail claimed the following two frames to tie at 3–3, including a 109 century break in frame six.6 February 2002 O'Sullivan Out For Revenge On White http://worldsnooker.com/snooker_media_centre/bandh_masters2002/articleshow.asp?articleID=664&category=52 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020207233652/http://www.worldsnooker.com/snooker_media_centre/bandh_masters2002/articleshow.asp?articleID=664&category=52 7 February 2002 17 November 2020 World Snooker O'Sullivan made breaks of 87, 77 and 108 to win the match 6–3, compiling 284 points to Swail's 11 in that time.Jones Ben 7 February 2002 Snooker: Swail sunk by 'Rocket' Ronnie 52 The News Letter https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A82586318/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=63c6d455 live subscription 17 November 2020 Gale OneFile: News 9 December 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201209122014/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA82586318&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=63c6d455 Quarter-finals The quarter-finals were held on 7 and 8 February. The first quarter-final was between McManus and O'Brien. Trailing 2–0, O'Brien won four frames in a row to lead McManus 4–2 as he had the match-high break of 59. McManus went on to win four frames in succession to win by 6–4 in a match lasting 4 hours and 12 minutes.Hendon David 7 February 2002 O'Brien Nailed by Gritty McManus http://www.110sport.com/snooker/cont/php/utils/displaypage.php?page=/snooker/cont/art/na05081.php dead https://web.archive.org/web/20030913122841/http://www.110sport.com/snooker/cont/php/utils/displaypage.php?page=%2Fsnooker%2Fcont%2Fart%2Fna05081.php 13 September 2003 17 November 2020 110Sport Both players commented they had sub-par performances during the match. Ebdon and Hunter played the second quarter-final. Hunter led 3–1 with a break of 54 and a century break of 105 in the fourth frame but the match was required to conclude with a final frame decider as both players shared the next five frames. A break of 80 from Hunter in the final frame gave him a 6–5 win.7 February 2002 Defending Champ Triumphs in Final-Frame Drama http://worldsnooker.com/snooker_media_centre/bandh_masters2002/articleshow.asp?articleID=666&category=52 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20030415203304/http://worldsnooker.com/snooker_media_centre/bandh_masters2002/articleshow.asp?articleID=666&category=52 15 April 2003 17 November 2020 World Snooker Hunter said he had the knowledge that he would play Ebdon for a long period of time, adding: "I played well to go 3–1 up and I scored well when I was in the balls all night. I knew he would come back at me but I just concentrated on playing the balls as they were." O'Sullivan and White contested the third quarter-final. A crowd of 2,403 people observed the play, the record for a non-final Masters game.Hendon David 8 February 2002 Whirlwind Blows Away Rocket in Wembley Thriller http://www.110sport.com/snooker/cont/php/utils/displaypage.php?page=/snooker/cont/art/na05090.php dead https://web.archive.org/web/20030913122734/http://www.110sport.com/snooker/cont/php/utils/displaypage.php?page=%2Fsnooker%2Fcont%2Fart%2Fna05090.php 13 September 2003 17 November 2020 110Sport O'Sullivan led 3–1 with breaks of 51 and 50, extending it to 5–2 by winning three of the next four frames. White went 5–4 behind following errors in O'Sullivan's play; he came from 35 points behind the latter who went in-off on that score to compile a 72 clearance in frame ten and force a final frame decider. O'Sullivan led the final frame 49–19 but a missed safety shot on the red allowed White to achieve a clearance ending on the blue ball and win the match 6–5.8 February 2002 O'Sullivan angry at shock defeat WalesOnline https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/other-sport/osullivan-angry-at-shock-defeat-1980351 live 17 November 2020 9 December 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201209122024/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/other-sport/osullivan-angry-at-shock-defeat-1980351 O'Sullivan commented he was quite angry because he lost a game he felt he could have won, "It's disappointing. The wheels have come off though there is nothing wrong with my game, it's just something I have got to deal with mentally and it's not something I want to air in the press." The last quarter-final was played by Hendry and Williams. After five frames, Hendry was 3–2 ahead with breaks of 70 and 85 before Williams levelled at 3–3. Hendry retook the lead with a break of 79 in frame seven before Williams took the next three with breaks of 80 and 50 to win 6–4.8 February 2002 Classy Williams into Semis http://worldsnooker.com/snooker_media_centre/bandh_masters2002/articleshow.asp?articleID=668&category=52 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20031221000127/http://worldsnooker.com/snooker_media_centre/bandh_masters2002/articleshow.asp?articleID=668&category=52 21 December 2003 17 November 2020 World Snooker Semi-finals thumb|right|alt=Mark Williams wearing a red waistcoat and black shirt playing snooker at a tournament|Mark Williams qualified for the final but lost 10–9 to Paul Hunter. Both of the semi-finals occurred on 9 February. The first semi-final was contested by Hunter and McManus. Ahead 2–1, Hunter failed to pot the pink to win the fourth frame, allowing McManus to achieve a clearance from the 14th red to the black to tie at 2–2. McManus made breaks of 56 and 98 to go two frames ahead before Hunter took the next three frames to lead 5–4. The tenth frame was secured by McManus to require a final frame decider won by Hunter with a break of 36 for a 6–5 victory.Allan Jim 10 February 2002 Final-frame agony for McManus 16 Scotland on Sunday https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A82758166/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=f0f9ffe7 live subscription 17 November 2020 Gale OneFile: News 9 December 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201209122015/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA82758166&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=f0f9ffe7Everton Clive 10 February 2002 Snooker: Hunter lies in wait for bigger fish 13 The Independent on Sunday https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A82721446/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=b2243f94 live subscription 17 November 2020 Gale General OneFile 9 December 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201209122023/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA82721446&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=b2243f94 It was McManus' 34th career semi-final and did not advance to the final of a competition for the first time since the 1999 Thailand Masters.10 February 2002 Battle Tough Hunter Reaches Final http://worldsnooker.com/snooker_media_centre/bandh_masters2002/articleshow.asp?articleID=669&category=52 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20030820051533/http://worldsnooker.com/snooker_media_centre/bandh_masters2002/articleshow.asp?articleID=669&category=52 20 August 2003 17 November 2020 World Snooker Hunter said he was happy to qualify for the final because McManus was a decent participant. McManus said would not dwell over his defeat and wished Hunter the best of luck for the final.Jones Clive 9 February 2002 Hunter into final https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/snooker/benson_and_hedges_masters_2002/1811611.stm live https://web.archive.org/web/20020927213613/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/snooker/benson_and_hedges_masters_2002/1811611.stm 27 September 2002 17 November 2020 BBC Sport White and Williams played the other semi-final. A break of 78 won White the first frame while Williams took the next three with breaks on 51, 93 and 102 to go 3–1 ahead. White claimed frame five as Williams took the sixth and then the seventh on a clearance of 133 to be within one frame of victory. White won frames eight to ten to require a final frame decider.Clements Derek 10 February 2002 Williams ends White's bright night; Snooker 24 The Sunday Times https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A82814905/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=693c4a98 live subscription 17 November 2020 Gale Academic OneFile 9 December 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201209122015/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA82814905&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=693c4a98 During the concluding frame, White undercut a red into the bottom pocket,Jones Clive 9 February 2002 Williams edges White in thriller https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/snooker/benson_and_hedges_masters_2002/1811924.stm live https://web.archive.org/web/20020927213557/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/snooker/benson_and_hedges_masters_2002/1811924.stm 27 September 2002 17 November 2020 BBC Sport allowing Williams to clinch the frame 70–24 and the match 6–5. Williams said that White had recovered "really well" and the last frame put a plethora of pressure on both players but noted his form against Hunter had no meaning for the final. He commented on the crowd: "It was difficult to concentrate when someone in the crowd starts whistling while I'm trying to take a shot." Final The final between Hunter and Williams was held over two session sessions as the best-of-19 frames on 10 February. This was the first meeting between the two players since the 2001 Champions Cup earlier in the season and the final was their highest ranking match since the 2000 Grand Prix where Williams beat Hunter 5–3 in the quarter-finals.Williams on Cue to End Drought http://worldsnooker.com/snooker_media_centre/bandh_masters2002/articleshow.asp?articleID=671&category=52 World Snooker 10 February 2002 17 November 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20030415203002/http://worldsnooker.com/snooker_media_centre/bandh_masters2002/articleshow.asp?articleID=671&category=52 15 April 2003 dead Williams had won all six matches against Hunter with a combined total of 30–9 in frames won.Yates Phil Hunter holds nerve in masterful comeback; Snooker https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A82813774/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=1f05aef0 The Times 11 February 2002 17 November 2020 26 Gale Academic OneFile subscription 9 December 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201209122015/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA82813774&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=1f05aef0 live The referee for the final was Jan Verhaas of the Netherlands. Williams won the first frame with a break of 79 and the following three to go 4–0 ahead.Frame-watch: B&H; Masters final https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/snooker/1810193.stm BBC Sport 10 February 2002 17 November 2020 live https://web.archive.org/web/20020927211042/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/snooker/1810193.stm 27 September 2002 In the fifth frame, which lasted 35 minutes, Hunter gave away 24 points in fouls to Williams' 20 before Williams won the frame 82–79 on a clearance from the green ball to the black.Everton Clive Snooker: Hunter comes up trumps in cliffhanger https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A82740991/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=72f32757 The Guardian 11 February 2002 17 November 2020 26 Gale General OneFile subscription 9 December 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201209122016/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA82740991&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=72f32757 live Williams broke down on a 56 break in frame six, allowing Hunter to win the frame on the pink. Hunter claimed the seventh frame with breaks of 32 and 69. The eighth frame saw Williams end on a 56 break after missing the 13th red by undercutting it to a top corner. This enabled Hunter to produce a 36 clearance completed on the pink to end the first session 5–3 behind. On resumption of the match, Hunter won the ninth frame with a break of 61 and the tenth to level at 5–5 when Williams left the black on the inside of the top-right corner pocket from poor contact. Frames 11 and 12 were shared for a 6–6 score at the mid-session interval.Snooker: Hunter repeats final feat https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/snooker-hunter-repeats-final-feat-9130126.html The Independent Press Association 11 February 2002 17 November 2020 9 December 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201209122017/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/snooker-hunter-repeats-final-feat-9130126.html live In frame 13, Hunter was 54–24 behind when he obtained two snookers before missing the blue ball to the top-left corner pocket, allowing Williams to claim the frame. Hunter returned the score to a tie with an 84 break in frame 14 and took the lead for the first time in the next following errors from Williams. A break of 45 from Williams again tied the final in frame 16, before Hunter took the 17th frame after the former got stuck in a snooker. Williams secured frame 18 on a break of 72 to force a final frame decider.Dee John Hunter fires the final shot https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A82728784/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=bb66e058 The Daily Telegraph 11 February 2002 17 November 2020 Gale OneFile: News subscription 9 December 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201209122017/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA82728784&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=bb66e058 live In the concluding frame, Williams scored 10 points before Hunter's break of 65 secured him a 10–9 win. This was Hunter's second Masters victory in a row; he went on to win the tournament for a third and final time in 2004.Baxter Trevor 11 October 2006 Paul Hunter The Independent https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/paul-hunter-419492.html live 13 November 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20090504073842/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/paul-hunter-419492.html 4 May 2009 He was third player in history after Cliff Thorburn and Hendry to successfully defend the Masters since it was first held in 1975, and the fifth to have won it for a second time. Hunter earned £190,000 prize money for winning the event; his earnings for the campaign increased to £324,600, moving him past Higgins for the lead of the seasonal money list. He commented on the victory: "I'm so happy to have won the match — especially to retain the title. Only Stephen Hendry and Cliff Thorburn have won it in successive years — so I'm up there with them." Williams said of his fifth loss in the final of a tournament extending back to the 2000 Grand Prix: "I feel sick because that was one I threw away. I know I got close but a defeat like that could well knock me back to square one. I've got to put it out of my mind, but that's going to be tough. The more finals you lose, the less confidence you have." Main draw First round Numbers given in brackets after players names show the competition's 15th and 16th seeds. Players in bold indicate match winners. MatchDatePlayer 1ScorePlayer 2WC13 FebruaryFergal O'Brien IRL (16)6–5Steve Davis ENGWC24 FebruaryDave Harold ENG (15)3–6Ryan Day WAL Main draw Numbers to the left of players' names show the tournament's seeds. Players in bold denote match winners. 200 Last 16 Best of 11 frames Quarter-finals Best of 11 frames Semi-finals Best of 11 frames Final Best of 19 frames 1 Paul Hunter ENG 6 9 Stephen Lee ENG 3 8 Peter Ebdon ENG 6 14 Graeme Dott SCO 4 5 Ken Doherty IRL 3 16 Fergal O'Brien IRL 6 4 John Higgins SCO 5 12 Alan McManus SCO 6 3 Mark Williams WAL 6 13 Mark King ENG 1 6 Stephen Hendry SCO 6 Ryan Day WAL 0 7 Matthew Stevens WAL 1 11 Jimmy White ENG 6 2 Ronnie O'Sullivan ENG 6 10 Joe Swail NIR 3 1 ENG Paul Hunter 6 8 ENG Peter Ebdon 5 16 IRL Fergal O'Brien 4 12 SCO Alan McManus 6 3 WAL Mark Williams 6 6 SCO Stephen Hendry 4 11 ENG Jimmy White 6 2 ENG Ronnie O'Sullivan 2 1 ENG Paul Hunter 6 12 SCO Alan McManus 5 3 WAL Mark Williams 6 11 ENG Jimmy White 5 1 ENG Paul Hunter 10 3 WAL Mark Williams 9 Final The bold text in the table indicates winning frame scores and the winning finalist. Breaks over 50 are displayed in brackets. Final: Best of 19 frames. Referee: Jan VerhaasWembley Conference Centre, London, England, 10 February 2002.Paul Hunter (1)10–9Mark Williams (3)Afternoon: 1–84 (79), 51–64, 6–83, 53–64, 79–82, 74–56 (Williams 56), 107–7 (69), 67–56 (Williams 56) Evening: 88–8 (61), 59–56, 20–61 (53), 70–5 (57), 39–65, 85–6 (84), 71–34, 4–65, 65–37, 0–73 (72), 65–10 (65)84Highest break790Century breaks0550+ breaks5 Century breaks There were 13 century breaks made by 9 different players over the course of the 2002 Masters. The highest break of the competition, a 138, was compiled by O'Sullivan in the fourth frame of his first round match with Swail, earning him £21,000 prize money and the Gold Medal award. 138, 108 Ronnie O'Sullivan 133, 127, 102 Mark Williams 124 Peter Ebdon 109 Joe Swail 108 Jimmy White 105, 101 Paul Hunter 103 Stephen Hendry 102 Alan McManus 100 Fergal O'Brien Notes References 30em 2002 2002 2002 Masters Masters (snooker) Category:February 2002 sports events in the United Kingdom