Billiards title to Meredith

Press, 24 June 1981, Page 6

Billiards title to Meredith

After' struggling in the early stages, Dave Meredith came away for a convincing win against Ken Giles in the final of the Canterbury. billiards championship last evening. J d C ; Meredith was defending his title he has now won four times — his first two years being 1976 and 1977. He also won the cup for the highest break of the tournament, a 162 made in the semi-finals. Giles made a strong start in the four-hour match and after just 20 minutes he was almost 150 points ahead. Meredith quickly closed the gap with breaks of 76 and 53 but was not cueing with his customary authority.

Giles continued to score ednsistentlv and at the end of the first hour he was clear again at 413-265. About this time-Meredith was-missing a lot of easy shots; J. and ' temporarily appeared to give away top-of-the-tablc play because of what he was leaving. However, towards the end of the first session Meredith got a break of . 153 that not only put him right back in the game but also restored his confidence. The first 40 was painfully gathered as he hesitated over shots and only just made some safely. But as he warmed to his task and secured position at the top of the table the points came much quicker and he was in full flight hen he lost the white and

elected to end the break by playing safely. As a result of his break Meredith Was in front. 464-426. at the interval, and he continued to score freely after. He replied to a 101 break by Giles with a superb 129 and although both players slipped over the final hour Meredith was untroubled to keep his lead at around 200. Meredith has now retained both the South Island and Canterbury titles this year. His next big challenge will be the retention of his New Zealand crown. Meredith's best breaks were 76. 53. 153 and 129. Giles had a 56. an 83 and a 101.