BILLIARDS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, 23 July 1925, Page 5

BILLIARDS.

McCONACHY v. TOTHILL

TO-NIGHT,

The biggest event for some years in the Timaru billiard world will bo played in the Arcade billiard room tonight and to-morrow night, when Clark McConachy (N.Z. champion) ‘ will play Tom Tothill (North of England champion) 1500 up, play being divided into two sessions of 750 each night. Tothill will be conceded a liandica pof 350 in 1500. McConachy, as a Timaruvian, requires no introduction, and that his form is good he recently displayed by breaks of 997 and 953 in the North Island. Tom Tothill is not so well known, and it may be interesting to state that the North of England champion intends to settle in the Dominion. His wife and two children will follow him later. Two or three years ago, when tho English cracks were endeavouring to make the championship a kind of “close porporation,” Tothill and Laurence each paid £IOO entry fee to force the situation, and this was furthered by Clark McConachy, the New Zealand champion, acting in a similar manner. Tothill is regarded by the “Big Five”, as the best lecturer, on billiards known, and also one of the best teachers. _ A number of the foremost _ English amateurs received their tuition from him. Tothill also has tho reputation of being a very game fighter. When in England, ho played McConachy, who conceded him 3000 in 16,000, and ho won by 1500. On one occasion he played Davis 7000 up. Davis, who had a lead of 800 on the last, night but one, started off with a 200 break, and then Tothill pulled the match out of tho fire. Just before leaving England ho met Peall in the final of the Thurston Tournament, and won by 1500. In April ho plaved Tom Reece, who conceded him 1000 for £SO aside, in which match, although 700 behind at the end of the first week, Tothill. played such a great game in the second week that he won by 800. This indicates that he is a worthy opponent for McConachy on the terms of to-night’s match.