Mike Darrington
Mike Darrington (born 13 September 1931) is an English former professional snooker player.
| Born | 13 September 1931 |
|---|---|
| Sport country |  |
| Professional | 1982–1996 |
| Highest ranking | 78 (1986/1987) |
| Career winnings | £9,487 |
| Highest break | 95: 1987 World Championship (qualifying) |
| Best ranking finish | Last 48 (1983 International Open) |
Career
Born in 1931, Darrington turned professional in 1982, at the relatively advanced age of 48. His first season encompassed only the 1983 World Championship, and his career could not have started worse; he faced Rex Williams in qualifying, and lost 0–10.
During the next season, Darrington recorded the best performance his time as a professional would bring, in reaching the last 48 at the 1983 International Open. There, he beat Ian Williamson before losing 2–5 to Silvino Francisco.
Several lean years followed before Darrington played in the last 32 at the non-ranking 1985 English Professional Championship; however, he had entered the tournament at this stage, and was whitewashed 0–9 by John Virgo in his first match.
Although he reached his highest ranking, 78th, for the 1986/1987 season, Darrington rarely made any progress in qualifying for events. The highlight of the remainder of the 1980s was his highest break, a run of 95, made in the 1987 World Championship against Bert Demarco.
Already a poor performer in qualifying, the influx of several hundred new professional players in the early 1990s made Darrington's position untenable; he won only one match after 1993, and played his last against Fergal O'Brien in a Minor Tour event in 1995, losing 3–0.
Ranked 510th at the conclusion of the 1994/1995 season, Darrington lost his place on the tour at the end of the next, aged 64.