McConachy keen for another world title

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33383, 15 November 1973, Page 26

McConachy keen for another world title

The former world professional billiards champion, Clark McConachy, of Auckland, is keen to play in the next open xvnrld fniirmmpnf world tournament.

Although McConachy is now 78, and says that he “shakes a little,” he feels he could still put up a strong challenge. Speaking in Christchurch yesterday, McConachy said that he had been practising

six hours a day recently and this form was very good. “I made a break of 700 on my table at home earlier this year, and although I have the shakes a little, that doesn't affect my game,” he added. McConachy, New Zealand’s finest player, who won the world billiards title from 1951 to 1968, said he would probably travel to England to compete in the next tournament.

McConachy arrived in the city yesterday to play exhibition matches to assist the Commonwealth Games fund. He played R. O’Callaghan and B. D. Kirkness in billiards, and D. Meredith and W. Adams in snooker, all leading Canterbury players. He was brought from Auck. land by Leisure World, Ltd, which is sponsoring him at the rate of 10c for every point he scores. His opponents are sponsored by their clubs, firms and individuals. McConachy’s matches yesterday were the first serious competition since he played in the world open billiards championship at Pukekohe last November, when he had three wins from 11 matches. McConachy seemed to be enjoying his matches yesterday, going from some remarks he made during the snooker game with Meredith. "I thought that was a good shot — I would pat myself on the back if my arm reached that far;” "I’m playing better now,” after he went in-off a red ball.

Today, McConachy will play V. Choat and E. Simons in billiards, and R. Ringdahl and R. Franks in snooker.