The emphasis might have been on fun and open play at the Telegraph & Argus Regal Classic at the Richard Dunn Sports Centre, but thoughts were already turning to next month's World Championships.

John Parrott, beaten 4-3 by Dennis Taylor at Odsal, was quite happy about his prospects for Sheffield's Crucible Theatre.

"I'm fourth in the list for ranking points scored this season - only Ronnie O'Sullivan, John Higgins and Stephen Hendry have scored more.

"And I expect Higgins and O'Sullivan to be the main dangers."

Taylor, down to 43 in the provisional rankings compared to Parrott's fifth place, laughed, however, as the pair were signing autographs for fans.

"At least I know I'll be at the Crucible all the way through - in the commentary box!"

Added the 49-year-old Irishman who now lives in Blackburn: "I've had a bad season.

"My only decent tournament was the UK Championships and, although I've got the British Open left, I must practice more before the start of next season - I've been doing a lot of corporate work."

Watching Taylor play, however, only made one realise the strength in depth of the game these days.

Parrott took the first two frames by making a 53 break and a 137 total clearance, bettering the 135 he suffered at the hands of Steve Davis last year.

Taylor took the last frame before the interval 92-32, and then made it 2-2 with an 81 break, including an excellent black into a middle pocket.

Parrott forged ahead again by winning frame five 62-46, potting the black by going up and down the table, but Taylor levelled again with a 65 break.

The Irishman then rattled in a 59 in the last for a decisive 71-0 lead, both players receiving two liquid crystal brandy glasses at the finish.

Taylor then finished an evening of just the right amount of wit and repartee with his famous trick shot repertoire.

"You wouldn't believe I have just won the World Trick Shot Championships," said Taylor to a crowd of around 700 after another effort missed the pocket.

Enough went in, however, spiced by Taylor's string of Irish jokes, to ensure that everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable time.

"I've been doing this sort of thing for 26 years," admitted Taylor afterwards. "It's great fun." It certainly was.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.