British Nationals

In 1989 and 1991 Eldon Square played host to the prestigious British National Championships, where the best players from Britain played to be crowned national champion! A full glass exhibition court was built, with spectator seating, for both events.  The event hasn't been held in the North-East since.

There was a mix of world-class pros at the championships, such as Peter Marshall, Del Harris, Martine Le Moignan & Lucy Soutter along with local players, like Bryan Beeson and Jane Martin.

In 1989 Bryan Beeson reached the men's final, and was a game away from the title, but Del Harris made an excellent comeback to win 3-2. In the women's Lucy Soutter beat Suzanne Horner 3-0 to win the title.

In 1991 Beeson beat his final rival of '89 in round 3, but lost in the quarters to Simon Parke. Parke reached the final, but was beaten by Paul Gregory 3/1 . Martine Le Moignan strolled to the women's title without losing a game, beating Northumbria's Jane Martin along the way.