BLLLIARDS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVIII, Issue 1054, 19 May 1910, Page 12

BLLLIARDS.

STEVENSON IN FORM. The world’s champion came out of his shell again in a match at Bristol against Tom Reece, to whom he jvas giving a start of 2,250 points in 9000. Some feeling was introduced into the contest. News is since to hand that this break terminated at 767. After some tame play Reece ran up a pretty 172, failing at a screw cannon, about which there was some doubt. Then, after breaks of 56 and 5 4 by Stevenson, including a fine masse, Reece made 54 and 68, getting to within 120 of his points, and followed with 90. Stevenson then took the board, and by delightfully diversified play compiled 400, still going strong. Continuing the break, he negotiated some fine and Varied strokes. At 640 White absolutely covered the red, but the champion got out of the difficulty by playing off the red on to noth balls. Then, after more open play, he scored freely around the middle pockets, and at 700 was far ahead of the season’s record. The spot bar rule was applied, but altering red’s position. made no particular difficulty. To gain position, after playing a red winner, a very difficult run through tne white was negotiated, and the spectators were breathless when the marker announced that Stevenson had reached his points with 750 unfinished. The scores were: Reece 8,410, Stevenson 8,251.

Young George Gray’s passage has been booked for England, (says the “Referee.”) He leaves on the 15th June next per R.M.S. Osterley. It is to be hoped that the lad’s health will not be affected while there, for the winter weather down under is much more severe than here- Should he get in touch with weather and balls young Georgie will astound the English billiard world with his red ball act.

Inman and Reece were to have played a match of 9,000 up last month for £lOO, the winner to meet Stevenson in a game for the championship of the world. Whatever Inman’s opinion may be, Reece who feels he can beat Inman, states that playing Stevenson for the championship is a forlorn hope.

Charles Memmott has undertaken to oppose John Roberts in a fortnight’s game at Sydney, commencing on the 23rd inst. (says the “ Referee.”) The question of concessional points has not been fixed yet, but it is probable that only 16,000 up will be played, the Saturday afternoon sessions being dropped. In Melbourne all visiting players have found that people prefer to attend the sports or races rather than witness billiards on a Saturday afternoon. Memmott is a better exhibition player than E. J- Campbell, whose efforts against Roberts in Melbourne were somewhat laboured. The ex-champion of Australia will make his points rapidly or not at all.