Born | 30 June 1924 Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, England |
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Died | 20 April 1996 (aged 71) Kings Lynn, Norfolk, England |
Sport country | England |
Professional | 1945–1955, 1978–1982 |
Best ranking finish | Last 24 (x1) |
John Barrie (30 June 1924 – 20 April 1996[1])[2] was one of the leading professional billiards and snooker players from the mid-1940s. His real name was William Barrie Smith.[3] He won the 1950 UK Professional Billiards Championship defeating Kingsley Kennerley 9046–5069 in the final.
He was born in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire where his family ran The White Lion Hotel.[3] In his later career Barrie coached many of England's leading players including Chateriss's Albert ' Snowy' Salisbury and the future 1984 World Professional Billiards Champion Mark Wildman of Peterborough. He died in Kings Lynn, Norfolk aged 71.[3]