BILLIARDS CHAMPIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20516, 18 March 1930, Page 12

BILLIARDS CHAMPIONS.

HIGH PRAISE FOR LINDRUM.

MANNERISMS OF McCONACHY,

[from our own correspondent.]

LONDON, Jan. 30.

Both McConachy and Davis, tho English champion, acclaim Lindrum the greatest player of all time. "He is almost 100 per cent, perfect," said Davis. The conversation proceeded to a consideration of temperament and preparation for play. Lindrum, it appears, is not over-anxious about himself between sessions. For in"stanco, ho will sit up late talking to his friends with apparently no effect upon his play. His off-days are less frequent than thoso of tho other great players.

" The difference between Lindrum and us," said Davis, " is that ho makes fewer mistakes than we do." While Davis maintained that Lindrum's play was perfectly rhythmical, McConachy thought that this was not so—that there were occasious when he put on tremendous spurts, and almost ran round the table. McConachy then explained that ho gets the best results by taking the greatest care of himself. He exercises and does deep-breathing with the object of keeping physically fit, so that his muscles act in perfect accord with his brain. He does not smoke nor drink alcohol at any time, and he prefers lunching or dining privately. Asked what he thought had caused tho enormous improvement in his play sinco he was last in England, ho said: "I am older in the head, and we now play with composition balls." He explained that

he had conquered his mannerisms. When tilings were going smoothly ho had 110 temptation to exercise these mannerisms, and even when things were going wrong he still had the will power to prevent, himself from dropping into them. When playing at llolborn this week lie proved his contention. For the first two days the table was not accurate. This was annoying him and injuring his play. In spito of thai ho was able, to make a run of 455, and no one could have known that he was not happy in his play. After the afternoon session of the second day experts spent two hours getting the table level.

McConachy essayed a further psychological explanation of billiard play. "The game is in one's head," lie said. Every nursery cannon game, every top of the table game that lias been played could be played hotter. The object is to make your hands do what, your brain knows ought to be done—to translate thoughts into action, and to make your hands and brain act automatically in harmony." After seeing McConachy play in England a few years ago, it is indeed a treat to seo him at the present time. He has certainly conquered his mannerisms, as he says. He scores quickly, and apparently not a movement is unnecessary. There is no delay or posing between strokes. lie is ready for the next stroke almost before the balls have come to rest. Moreover, his expression nevor varies, even when the general exclamation of regret is heard after a mis-cue. Certainly, it is a pleasure to see him pile up the score.

In the ordinary course of events, McConachy will be returning to New Zealand in April. Ho has had a letter from Mr. J. Riordan, previously of Timaru,saying they would like to see "him again in South Africa. If Lindrum could tour South Africa with him there would be no doubt of a wonderful session. It is not likely, however, that Lindrum will be able to accept the invitation, and McConachy has not yet made a decision.