Victor Muff

Huddersfield Cue Maestro: The remarkable Career of Victor Muff

Certain names in English billiards resonate more with local pride, particularly in the West Yorkshire town of Huddersfield, than that of Victor Muff.

Muff lived in Dalton, where he had a corner shop, and Roberttown, finally settling in Almondbury, He played for Leeds Road Conservative Club and the Dyers & Finishers Club, Fitzwilliam Street.

Victor Muff wasn’t just a good billiard player; he was a dominant force in the Huddersfield billiards scene for years. His local record speaks for itself: seven Huddersfield Billiards Championship titles out of just nine entries. His prowess was further highlighted in the 1944-45 Huddersfield League season, where he went unbeaten through 18 matches, delivering a staggering 27 breaks over 50 and a remarkable nine centuries. The local press was brimming with tales of his excellence.

One of the most impressive feats of his local career came in the 1946 Huddersfield Billiards final, where he etched his name in the record books with a monumental 237 break. A year later, in 1947, he clinched another Huddersfield title against his rival Gladney Hoyle, showcasing his consistency with three century breaks (173, 130, and 127).

But Victor Muff’s talent wasn’t confined to Huddersfield. He quickly rose through the ranks nationally. In 1947, on his journey to the prestigious All England Club and Institute final, he made headlines with a record-breaking 192 break in the fifth round, surpassing a record that had stood since 1928. This national recognition culminated in a hard-fought runner-up finish in the All England title, losing by the narrowest of margins – just four points.

Undeterred, Muff continued his ascent, and in 1949, he reached the pinnacle of amateur billiards by winning the coveted All England title. This triumph cemented his status as one of the country’s leading amateur players. He also added the Bradford championship to his growing list of accolades.

By 1950, Victor Muff’s exceptional skill and dedication led him to turn professional, a logical step for someone who was already making a living from the game he loved.

His post-playing career further highlighted his entrepreneurial spirit and continued connection to the sport. He established The Billiard Supply Co. and later Sportsgear Huddersfield, ensuring that the tools of the trade were readily available to future generations of players.

Muff’s influence extended beyond competition and commerce. He undertook exhibition tours, sharing the table with some of the sport’s legends, including John Pulman, Australian Champion Horace Lindrum, and the multi-world champion Fred Davis. These exhibitions not only showcased his enduring skill but also undoubtedly inspired countless aspiring players.

In the 1960s Victor Muff was President of the Huddersfield & District Billiards Association nd notably presented the trophies to future professionals John Spencer and Marcus Owen who were the winner and runner-up respectively in the final of the English Amateur Snooker Championship, played at Huddersfield Town Hall in April 1966.

Photograph from Billiards and Snooker magazine, June 1966

Today, while Victor Muff may no longer be with us, his legacy lives on. The Billiard Supply Co. continues, a testament to his foresight, and the “Victor Muff Salver” competition within the Huddersfield & District Evening Cricket League ensures his name remains a familiar and respected one in the community.

Victor Muff’s career is a reminder that sporting greatness isn’t always defined by global fame, but often by consistent excellence, local dominance, and a genuine love for the game. He was, and remains, Huddersfield’s own cue maestro – a true champion of the baize.

John A Smith
Cues n Views

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