The most dramatic match came in the qualifying rounds when Terry Griffiths, a newly turned professional, was beaten 8–9 by Rex Williams after leading 8–2.

Patsy Fagan, the defending UK champion, went out 7–9 in the first round to David Taylor who, after a decade in the professional ranks, reached his first major final by beating Alex Higgins 9–5 in the semi-finals.

In the semi-finals it was Miles' turn to collapse 1–9 to Doug Mountjoy who, keeping his best until last, clinched his final victory over Taylor with a break of 120.

The BBC televised the final on their Grandstand programme with Ted Lowe commentating the match.

[1][2][3] [1] Last 24 Best of 17 frames David Taylor 9–2 Maurice Parkin John Virgo 9–4 Ray Edmonds John Dunning 9–3 David Greaves Jim Meadowcroft 9–5 Jackie Rea Doug Mountjoy 9–5 John Barrie Roy Andrewartha 9–3 Pat Houlihan Rex Williams 9–8 Terry Griffiths Willie Thorne 9–4 Bernard Bennett