BILLIARDS

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1245, 26 February 1914, Page 33

BILLIARDS

Though this is the off season for b|.liiards, many interesting games nave oeen got tnrougn at the Amatem sports duo. Owing to his being on holidays nan Durite and H. Cooite nave not piayed oil the nnal on the Ay re snooKer Tournament, b.ut this iunction is set down for decision this ween. Entries are now being made tor the second series of the Ay re iournamen'DS, wnicn promises to. be even more successful than tne urst one. - M « * W. E., Stephenson, the well-known bimard and snooker player, is again in Auck,and. . “Steve," tnough rather out or practice, is still a iorce to ba reckoned with on the cloth of green, and snouid opportunity offer will settie m Aucmand. In addition to being a really nne piayer, Stepaenson is specially capable of conducting a billiard room, and the. nope is expressed tnat an opening will be found x„r mm in .this city.. . Stf # « \ « Arrangements are practically completed for a series of exhibition games in tne concert nail at the Exnibition by ivnss rtuoy Roberts, champion lady piayer of tne wor.d, and Alec Tay.or, the ' renowned billiard and trick ana faxiicy-snot player. The meeting of two suca mgw-ciais periormers should prove a decided draw, and playing in se.en environments will undoubted./ add to the attractions of the Exhibition. A Standard match pocket table will - be specially erected by Messrs. AivOCK and Co., Ltd., and crystalate calls will be used. Alec Taylor has been doing a io_md of engagements in the Wellington clubs and meeting with much success. - * * The p.esent billiard season in England has been wonderfully good for tne professionals, and the popularity of the game grows greater day by day. The young players Newman, Falkiner, Reall and George Gray have caused a "si arkle" m the b.lliard arena that was just the thing to win public interest. At many cf the matches recently decided big attendances have been recorded, and doubtless the “serious ’ and “all-out-to-win ’ tactics displayed' are much appreciated. The controversy about the limitation of the red ball as a scoring force still keeps on its weary way. Any tinkering with the losing hazard was never thought of until George Gray proved his excellence, and it is safo

to say there will be a big fight before any interference with the fundamental basis (because the fundamental basis of English billiards) is in any way altered. The monotony of the red ball loser- is a pet theme with players wno could not make 100 consecutive losers under any circumstances. But is the losing hazard more monotonous than top of tab-e pray? I do not think so, as it is common remark at a billiard game when one of tne best professionals is playing at top of table,, "Why it is so easy, I wonder he ever breaks down.” d course, top of table work is not easy and requires years of practice, cut it is not much more difficult than tne red loser, and while only two Dalis nave to be contro.led in the one case, the tnree must be in top of tabue play. But with the red loser there is no sport to help the player, wno mast get the red in position every nine ior tne next stroke, in a break of 3b 0 at the top of table there is vertamiy a variety of positions ana a lot ci strain, out it must not oe forsotiten tnat in a break of similar dimensions off the red there are 10 o different positions which require accurate spotting and perfect strength. * ❖ * * The second meeting of Newman and George Gray is being eagerly awaited. Tne start conceded Newman (4000 in 18,000) is big, taking into account the skill of Joirn Roberts’ protege. It is certain Gray will have become more accustomed to the ivory balls and make a great effort to win the second game so that a third game will be necessary, and a really strenuous contest seems assured. It is always, under pressure that George Gray gives the best that’s in him. The “gate” should be a record. « * * * The committee of the Amateur Sports Club has decided that ah games in the club shall be played s.rictiy under rules of the British Bill.ards Association. This is as it should be, as, being affiliated with the 8.8. A., the Auckland Sports C.ub must lead the way in playing the game under strictest conditions. * * * Mr. Jack Tuck, a top notch New South Wales amateur, was on a visit to Auckland last week. Owing to poor hea th, Mr. Tuck did not cross cues with any of the Auckland cracks, but returns home in much improved health. * * * * Mr. Jack Hooper has been transferred from Newcastle to Sydney. This wonderfull fine amateur made

hosts of friends in the Coaly City, anl in business circ.es is very popular. Doubtless, now that Mr. Hooper is on tne spot he will take part in some of the amateur championship events in whicn case the Sydneyites will see the world’s oest amateur. As an attractive, beautifully accurate cueist J. xi. is in a class by nimself, and Messrs snailer, neaucnamp and Co. may look out for .a sultry time when Hooper is in opposition.