ENGLISH NOTES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17781, 26 February 1926, Page 11

ENGLISH NOTES.

BOY BILLIARDS PRODIGY. In 11. R, Gartiand, the fourteen-year-old Bermondsey boy who won the boys’ billiards championship of England at Soho\ Square, the game has a youngster of vast possibilities. Apart from the distinction gained by compiling a record break of 114, this boy revealed virtues that must lead to greater distinction within the next few years. His stance is admirable, his cueing remarkably graceful. POSITIONAL PLAY. . lie appreciates the extreme value of positional play, and is quite expert already in picking out the right shot. His whole play genera ll\- bears evidence of admirable coaching, and if he continues to assimilate the teaching in the same way, as he has obviously done since plaj’ing in this competition last year, the premier amateur title may easily be his a few years hence. **■ ~ NEWMAN’S ONLY CHALLENGER. As was expected, young Davis, of Chesterfield, is the only challenger to Newman for the professional billiards title, and the challenge match of 16,000 up will be played during April or May. For the first time, for many years—he had played in the previous fourteen championships— has not et> tered; his total absence from the match billiards world this season has prbbably decided his abstention. Smith’s decision not to enter is to be regretted, for he has every right to be regarded as our best match player. However, Davis will probably give Newman a much better game than many people imagine.