in the late 1950's there were only a few professional snooker player, say 4 or 5. The competition was abandoned from 57-63 due to lack of interest. It was brought back as an invitational event, I believe. Obviously snooker on the television in black and white was not really feasible.
Don't know that one. The finals were played in gentlemans's clubs in London, I think. They probably didn't have anything else to do apart from playing snooker.