BILLIARDS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1256, 14 May 1914, Page 40

BILLIARDS.

The English season is being unusually prolonged, and at latest advices two important games are being decided. Inman (champion) is conceding Reece 1000 in 18,000, and the latter, who must have made a quick recovery from his recent illness, is holding up his end very well indeed. Though at one time Reece was nearly 2000 in the lead, Inman is putting in good work, and has reduced the margin to 600 points. Scores: Reece, 8822; Inman, 8213. Private advices from H. W. Stevenson indicate that this player will tour Australia and the Dominion in 1915. The second match between George Gray and Tommy Newman shows the latter to be in fine scoring form, and in the opening sessions he has scored taster than G'ray. A break of 213 by Gray has been considered worthy of cable announcement, which tends to show that the Australian champion is not in his accustomed big break form. Though no particulars of the handicap in this game have been cabled, it is safe to assume that Gray is not conceding more than 2000 in 1800, as against 4000 over the same distance allowed Newman in the first game. Scores: Newman, 7140; Gray, 6898.

A magnificently fitted up billiardroom will be opened shortly by Mr. Jack Jackson in the basement of Messrs. Hallenstein Bros.’ new building in Queen Street. An easy approach gives access to a spacious room, in which are installed 10 tables, all set out with a due regard to the convenience and comfort of players. Reading, writing and cloak rooms are features of the Jackson establishment, which is furnished all through in an up-to-date style. The ventilation is also of the best and most perfect design, and the lounge should be very popular. The new room will be opened on Monday, May 18, when Frank Smith, jun., snooker champion of Australasia, and W; E. Stephenson, the New Zealand champion, will play exhibition games of billiards and snooker. While both are billiard players of much merit it is at snooker these cueists specialise, and the entertainment should afford much enjoyment and instruction to patrons of the game. The enterprise of Mr. Jackson is commendable and we trust will recevie adequate support. The Heiron and Smith Markers’ Tournament has attracted 79 entries. A tourney on similar lines for bonafide ‘New Zealand markers will be promoted by Messrs. Alcock and Co., Ltd., the well-known manufacturers, in Auckland this season. Preliminary arrangements are well in hand, and a definite pronouncement will shortly be made.

Miss Ruby Roberts is back again in Australia, and reports having an enjoyable and profitable Dominion tour. Some exhibition games with young Walter Lindrum have been arranged for Miss Roberts, to take place in Melbourne. Later on a tour through the East, embracing India and China, will probably be decided on.

As it appears unlikely that Williams and Lindrum will meet during the present season, the English pro. contemplates returning to England early in June.

Harry Power, the champion onehanded snooker player of the world, is reported to be in specially fine form in Sydney. To see Power in action is a revelation, every variety of stroke, screws, screw-backs, runthroughs and stab shots are made with the one hand and without the use of a rest. Power is also a fine billiard player, and at both branches of the science plays almost as well with his one hand as with his two. The amateur championship promoted by the Billiards’ Control Club in opposition to the amateur championship of England, which is controlled by the British Billiard Association, did not bring out any of the great players from the London clubs who are so frequently mentioned as being shut out by the B.A.’s rather open definition. The B.C.C. championship was won by 'Major Fleming, rhe Scotch amateur, who was recently defeated for the representation of North Britain in the British championship. In the final heat Major Fleming, with best breaks of 82, 8.1 and 71, quite outclassed his opponent, Mr. R. H. Hill-New, the scores reading: Major Fleming, 1000; R. H. HillNew, 442. Either the loser did not play his game, or, as best of the others, must have been at the head of many inferior players.