DOMINION SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24982, 17 September 1946, Page 8

DOMINION SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP

TOURNAMENT OPENED YESTERDAY* .‘ nie Dominion amateur, snooker championship tournament was officially at the Radiaht Hall yesterday by the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr E. H. Andrews). Mr Andrews .welcomed the visting players. Twelve selected competitors are taking part, coming from various centres in the Dominion. Last years winner, S. Moses (Wellington) is not an entrant this year because or illness. Several provincial champions have entered and some were seen in action yesterday. The tournament is being conducted under the two-life system, each match being of five frames, with the final of seven.

The attendance was good, and some excellent games were witnessed in both the afternoon and evening sessions. In section A of the first round Canterbury representatives were seen to advantage throughout the day. Smith, Whitford, and Billens each wOn his game, and Whitford compiled 30, the highest break. Results:—W. Smith (Canterbury) beat A. Rudduck (Otago) by three games to one. The scores were Smith 51, 56. 52, and 61, Rudduck 46, 51, 65, and 41. A. Billens (Canterbury) beat W. McCowatt (Auckland) by three games to two. The scores were: Billens 10, 56, 58, 34, and 56. McCowatt 56, 49, 34, 64, and 34. R. Whitford (Canterbury) beat R. Nixon (Auckland) by three games to one. The scores were: Whitford 64, 46, 55, and 62, Nixon 38. 62, 42, and 36. J. Bradley (Auckland) beat V. Choat (Canterbury) by three games to one. The scores were: Bradley 14 39. 54. and 48. Choat 60. 30. 49, and 39. Thte afternoon A. Rudduck (Otago) will play J. Bradley (Auckland), W. McCowatt (Auckland) will play A. Billens (Canterbury). This evening A. Albertson (Canterbury) will play F. Anson (Canterbuy), and L. Blackaby (Wellington) will play J. Munro (Canterbury).