THE WORLD’S CHAMPIONSHIP.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVIII, Issue 1057, 9 June 1910, Page 12

THE WORLD’S CHAMPIONSHIP.

Consequent on the sudden death of his wife, the match for the world’s championship between H. W- Stevenson and M. Inman for £4OO, 18,000 up, was abandoned at a most interesting and exciting stage. In fact, it is said to have been one of the greatestfought battles that has ever taken place in the annals of English billiards. At the start it was looked upon as an easy thing for Stevenson, but by giving

no chances away, and with careful and defensive play, Inman stuck to his more brilliant opponent all the time, until at the close of the first week’s play he led the champion by 443 points. From there onward the players passed and re-passed each other. At 11,987 the players were level again. During the followingafternoon Inman averaged 35 for 921 points, and Stevenson 32 for 882. At night both players were in good touch, and did well, the closing scores being: Stevenson 13,370, Inman 13,312, the champion leading by 158 points, with Inman to play. The news of Mrs. Stevenson’s death then came to hand, and the. game terminated. The highest break was 358, by Stevenson, who, however, showed no marked superiority over Inman. As Inman very magnanimously declined to eithei- claim the match or the stakes, and the controlling body concurring, the match was abandoned, and Inman will have to curb his aspirations until next year.