BILLIARDS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVII, Issue 996, 8 April 1909, Page 11

BILLIARDS.

NOVEL TOURNAMENTS. A novel idea in the shape of Invitaton Divisional Handicap Snooker Tournaments is being introduced by Air. R. Thomas at the Ponsonby Billiard Academy, immediately upon the conclusion of the popular billiard tournament, which is now in progress and has assumed a very exciting stage. No entrance fees are charged, so it is hoped there will be a big entry. First and second prizes are to be awarded in the tournament, and schedule prizes will also be allotted for the best breaks. There are six first-class Barton and McGill tables in the Academy, which is one of the most spacious and best-appointed billiard rooms in the Dominion.

Air. W. Lyons (says the ‘‘Referee ’) recently arrived in Sydney from Auckland, and looks the picture of good health. The genial one concludes that he will have a go in Tattersall’s tourney by way of proving that he is improving with age.

The Australasian champion, F. Lindrum, recently left Sydney by train on his way to Perth, W.A., where he meets the well-known Australian, Fred Weiss, in a series of games, commencing about Easter week.

Stevenson has again proved the marvellous ability he is possessed of, and in defeating Tom Reece by no less than 3810 points in 9000 after conceding him a start of 1500 points, he gave such an exhibition of billiards as has seldom been witnessed. It was but a few days prior to this match that he was compelled to abandon his match :• gainst Inman, just at a time when his victory was more than assured, and t hen, after a few days’ rest, he poured in such an avalanche ot breaks on Reece that the latter was unable to withstand it, and went under to the world’s greatest billiardist. Stevenson on two occasions averaged 124.83 and 187.75, and scored 1501 points,

while Reece scored but 69 and 12, a total of 81 points, averaging 6.90 and 3 respectively. The champion made many centuries, together with 598 445, 357, 299, 248, 261, 236. and 220.

Harverson scored an. easy win over Roberts, who conceded 4000 points in 20,000 start, but could not get near his opponent, who has been playing in fine form this season. Harverson won by 2938 points, and evidently could have won by many more, and he, therefore, won the sum of £lOO offered by Roberts in the event of a win from him. Harverson put in some veryconsistent scoring, his best being 288 and 202. Roberts also gave a veryfine display, and made a tip-top 335, together with 296, 235, 230, 227, 217, 21 6, 214, 210, 203.