BILLIARDS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1240, 22 January 1914, Page 24

BILLIARDS.

Alec Tayior continues meeting with much success on tour. Playing at the Cambridge Club against a member who was conceded 500 in 750, Taylor proved in good form, making runs of 99, 91, 89, and 76, and winning by nine points. George Gray has again put paid to the account of Mr. Tom Reece in the third game of 18,000 up. Gray won by 1577 points, and as Reece was conceded 2000 start the performance on the part of the Australian was a good one. Gray has now won two out of three matches contested with Reece, and was somewhat unlucky in not winning the second game of the series, which went to Reece by 525 points, after Gray overhauling his man when 15,000 points had been scored. Reece must be fighting much more stubbornly than is customary with him, and doubtless his battles with Inman have made the Oldham player much more solid. Aiken, since his return from Australia, seemed unable to find his form until he met E. Diggle in Burroughes and Watts’ tournament. The handicaps were: Diggle receives 1250 and Aiken 1750 in 9000 up, and Aiken won by 3927 points. Without detracting in any way from the fine showing of Aiken, still it must be admitted that Diggle has lost most of the form that a tew seasons back gave him a good fighting chance to defeat the world’s best players. Diggle is not quite 50 years of age, and it may be that he will be able to come back and prove his right to the title of top-of-table play champion. At his best no player has ever shown such consummate skill in scoring at the top end of the table as Diggle. Amongst the young players Tommy Newman figures largely as a possible champion in the near future. Coached by the greatest marvel ever associated with the game (John Roberts), Newman has made wonderful progress. Newman recently defeated Inman, who, however, conceded the youngster 4000 in 18,0.00, and practically stepped off the American boat right into the billiard room. The want of practice told its tale on Inman, who went down by 454 points, but the skill, knowledge and nerve shown by Newman was high-class in landing the wager of £lOO aside depending on the game. 'Hie least nervousness or mistake would have cost Newman the game, as in the final stages Inman played magnificently, hoisting a break of over 500 in the final day’s play. Mr. Jim Burke, “Snooker” of the “Sydney Referee,” was in Auckland during the week. In an interesting chat on billiard matters he stated the game in Australasia is booming, and billiards becoming more popular than ever. All the old Australian players, notably Charlie Memmott, Weiss, Frank Smith, sen. and jun., and E. J. Campbell are in good fi v and forces still to be reckoned with g:i the hoard, of green. “Snooker,” who ;ws paid many visits to the Dominioi and is much travelled, always throws the “glad eye” on Auckland, and gives as his opinion that next to Sydney Auckland is the loveliest place on the globe. “Snooker” is a good judge.