Simons wins tenth billiards title

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33582, 10 July 1974, Page 14

Simons wins tenth billiards title

E. Simons moved a little closer to the record 13 Canterbury billiards championships won by the illustrious W. (“Pod”) Smith when he easily beat R. O’Callaghan, 1168-837, last evening, and took the title for the tenth time.

The left-handed Simons led 522-395 after the first two hours on Monday night of the four-hour final, and last evening he was never in danger of defeat after increasing his advantage to more than 200 in the first 30 minutes. Simons cued far better than he had the previous night and at times he played as well as he has during his long career. He was more assured in his losing-hazard play, particularly to the middle pockets where he gathered most of his points, and he brought off some fine cannons.

O’Callaghan knew he needed points early to have a chance of winning, and although he tried hard he could not get within striking distance. However, he still gave a very good display and made many attractive double-figure breaks. It was his inability to sustain them longer that made his task so difficult. Simons promptly increased his lead when he made 45 at his fifth visit to the table, a break which was notable for two splendid long-range cannons, one oft two cushions and the other oft three.

A little later he had a run of 48, which included the maximum 15 losing hazards, and then followed immediately with a 40. By the end of half an hour he was ahead 702-483.

O’Callaghan fought back a litUe In the next 30 minutes, largely with some neat top-of the table play, and after an hour he trailed by not much more than 100. WELL ON TOP However, Simons then really warmed to his task and within 15 minutes he had taken a commanding. 963-642, lead. The iiigh point was a break of 69, during which he controlled the object balls superbly. He broke down on a simple cannon: a 100 break had looked well within his reach.

Over the final stages the pressure came off as the result was Inevitable, Simons having the final say when just before the bell he compiled a quick losinghazard break of 44. Simons’s top breaks last night were 45. 48, 40. 45, 44, 69 and 44. O’Callaghan had a 41 and a 44. For the 'first time in years there was not one century break during the tournament and the trophy for the highest break went to D. Meredith, who was eliminated in the quarter-finals. He had a 78 in the first round.