BILLIARDS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11248, 28 June 1922, Page 2

BILLIARDS

STEVENSON'S FORTHCOMING VISIT MORE AMATEUR CUEISTS. It is not expected that H. W. Stevenson, the ex-champion billiard-player, will reach New-Zealand before August, which will not give him a very long season inthe Dominion. Undoubtedly, each of the four centres will like to 6ee the great man at play, although he is not nearly the player that he was a few years ago, when he was a more finished and artistic exponent than any presentday champions. He is deservedly classed with Roberts as being among they very best cueists the world has produced, and it is reputation that will draw the crowds when he comes over here. He is not an old man by any means, for he celebrates his forty-ninth birthday on July 15th. He is, however, subject to attacks of bronchitis, and when the enemy has him in its grip he has to cry off. During his tour of Australia he has had an attack, which kept him in hie bed for several days. In his match of 9000 up with Frank Smith, senior, Stevenson, after giving 2500 start, won by 2524. This week he is playing Fred, ijindrum again, and the Australian's present form will probably bring him out on top again. Even so, if Stevenson has managed to shake off the effects of his recent attack, it will be a hard fight, and it is a long game, 16,000 up. As Stevenson is also going on to Melbourne, where lie will no doubt engage in one or two matches, the prospects of him leaving Australia before the end of July are remote. OTHER GOOD AMATEURS. In addition to the numerous excellent amateur players mentioned recently there should certainly have been included Mr Julian, of Inglewood, wjio is a likely starter-in the Vvcllington amateur championship, and if lie falls in with the wishes of his friends will also enter for the New Zealand honours. MeNeilage (of Pahiatua), Gomer (of Wanganui), . Tartiy (of Bahiatua), Nekira (of Hastings), the last- two being Maori players, and Buch (of New Plymouth) are all really good exponents of all-round billiards. A. 0. Crossan, of Palmerston North, is probably second only to Stephenson, the New Zealand champion. The Wellington R.S.A. have not yet received the two tables which they hope to add to their rooms before long. A local sal-oon proprietor is offering prizes for breaks of 50 and over. NEW RULES-IN AUSTRALIA. Incidentally, it may bo interesting to note that in Stevenson’s match with Fred. Lindrum, 16,000 up, the match will be played under the new rules framed by the ex-champion, who limits play on the red ball in contravention of billiards rules. “Snooker," in the Sydney “Referee/’ estimates that with the red ball play cut out altogether. Lindrum couio give Stevenson 2)000 in 16.000, which is surely high praise for Lindrum. N<* wonder that experts foretell Lindrum’e early appearance, in the great event in London. With Lindrum and McUonnchie both in the next championship 3*t Home, the* interest in billiards in Austranlsia should be considerably quickened, And what is Walter Lindrum doing just now?