Defending champion, Leighton Rees of Wales again progressed to the final where he met John Lowe in a repeat of the inaugural championship.

Wilson's performances over 1978 had enabled him to be seeded 8th for the tournament, and thus ensure a place in round 2 straight away.

Wilson entering the seeds meant he would replace Rab Smith, the Scot having to play the first round before moving into the later stages.

Leighton Rees remained seeded 3, with Tony Brown moving up to number 4.

Illness prevented Alan Evans from playing the third-place match, so Tony Brown took third place by default.