BILLIARDS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVI, Issue 1, 5 July 1911, Page 9

BILLIARDS.

CHIVVYING THE WHITE. A BILLIARD FORECAST. The remarkable play of George Gray, the Australian boy ehampion, has induced the London "Punch” to give tha following humorous forecast:-—-From the “Sportsman” of January 1, 1913.—The outstanding event of the past year in the world of billiards, has undoubtedly been the new regulation about the losing hazard off the red. Mr. George Gray’s (unfinished) break of 10,179 at Leicester in June, on which occasion he occupied the table for three 'consecutive weeks, and his opponent felt justified in spending the week-ends in the country, has at last opened the eyes of the authorities. It is not generally known that in the course of this match the right-hand centre pocket had to be three times renewed by a local upholsterer. The stroke was repeated with such perfect precision that after the first ten days no objection whatever was raised to spectators placing their hats

on the left-hand side of the table, and on one evening towards the close the umpire went so far as to take his tea off it. While heartily sympathising with Mr. Gray, we feel sure that he will recognise that in the best interests of the game the new regulation could be no longer delayed, and his favourite stroke was bound to go the way of the spot-stroke and the anchor-stroke. Now that only ten such consecutive losing hazards off the red are permissible, we look for a revival in the interest taken in the game.

From the “Sportsman” of January 1, 1915.— It has been a year of great unrest in the billiard world. There is no doubt that the advent of the Chilian champion, Signor Pianola, has shown up weak spots in the game as it is at present played. His wonderful new stroke, by which he makes the red ball run along the top of the cushion, off the spot, into one corner pocket, while his own ball screws back into the other, has led to some astounding scores. As he always makes six in this manner at a single stroke his figures mount rapidly, and he appears to be able to repeat the performance indefinitely, so that his (unfinished) break of 23,675 at Wolverhampton in September was compiled in the remarkably short period of seventeen days. The authorities are, however, looking into the matter, and drastic action is expected. It is abundantly clear that the game has become too easy. From the “Sportsman” of January 1, 1925.—The redoubtable Scot. Alexander M'Kettrick, who has caused such a profound sensation by his (unfinished) break of 78,952 at Exeter, which began in October, and .was suspended in the beginning of last week, when the umpire declared the spot ball no longer playable, in formed our representative in the course of a chat last evening that he had spent no fewer than eight years in perfecting his new policy of chivvying the white. He pointed out that the red ball was now so hampered and protected by limitations that he had found it best to tuck it out of the way under the bottom cushion while he goes in off the white into each of the six pockets in turn. It is understood that the special regulations for the coming season are now under discussion. From the “Sportsman” of 1951.—The match between Mr. Percy Plump and Herr Hans Kartofilen for the world’s championship, which begins at Widnes on February 3, will be played under the new regulations. That is to say, with the circular table, the oblique pockets, and the diminished red. It is, by the way, whispered in certain circles that Mr. Plump has been elaborating a new stroke off the bunker guarding the centre pocket which may cause trouble. Herr Hartofflen has lodged a protest against the extension of the baulk, pointing out—not without reason —that being a man of small stature it makes it almost impossible for him to play from behind the popping-crease without the nse of the long rest. There is something, wo think, to be said on both sides of this question. Much interest is manifested in the

probable effect of the two new regulations —that which lays down that every stroke shall include a cannon off the red, and that which compels the player 'to use both ends of the cue alternately. It is hoped that they will not so far reduce the scoring as to cause any further marked curtailment in the leisure of the performer who is not in play. The old custom of paying a visit, to tho Continent has already fallen into desuetude, but short trips to British beauty spots should still be possible. The table will be tilted, as is customary, at an angle of 13 degrees.