Australian Masters Invitation Event Brief History of the Australian Masters   The Australian Masters or Winfield Masters as it was originally known, began life as a television event run along the same lines as the BBC’s Pot Black. Like it’s English counterpart it was played on a single frame basis with the final decided on aggregate score over three frames. It was played in the Channel 10 TV studios in Sydney.   In 1983 the format was changed to a 16-man straight knockout and in 1984 it moved to the Paramatta Club, still in Sydney. Tony Meo was the only player to win on more than one occasion and Ian Anderson, in the very first year, was the only home winner.   With the expansion of the professional circuit it became difficult to attract the star players and the tournament was discontinued after 1987.   The name Australian Masters was used again in 1995/96 when the WPBSA organised a worldwide tour of non-ranking events but this was an entirely different event. It is however included here as it was under the same name. Anthony Hamilton was the winner on that occasion. ©Chris Turner 2008 Roll of Honour Year Venue Sponsor Winner Runner Up Score 1st Prize 1979 Channel 10 TV Studios, Sydney Winfield Ian Anderson Perrie Mans * n/a 1980 Channel 10 TV Studios, Sydney Winfield John Spencer Dennis Taylor * n/a 1981 Channel 10 TV Studios, Sydney Winfield Tony Meo John Spencer * n/a 1982 Channel 10 TV Studios, Sydney Winfield Steve Davis Eddie Charlton * n/a 1983 Channel 10 TV Studios, Sydney Winfield Cliff Thorburn Bill Werbeniuk 7-3 n/a 1984 Parmatta Club, Sydney Winfield Tony Knowles John Virgo 7-3 £11,760 1985 Parmatta Club, Sydney Winfield Tony Meo John Campbell 3-2 £10,000 1986 Parmatta Club, Sydney Winfield Dennis Taylor Steve Davis 3-2 £16,000 1987 Parmatta Club, Sydney Winfield Stephen Hendry Mike Hallett 371-226* £22,222 1995 Bentleigh Club, Melbourne none Anthony Hamilton Chris Small 8-6 £4000 *From 1979 - 1982 the final was decided on a aggregate score over 3 frames (score not available). In 1987 it was by aggregate score over five frames. back to top