One of the most novel and attractive matches of the whole season (says The Sporting Life) will be commenced at Messrs. Burroughes and Watts's Soho Square Salon on Monday next. H. W. Stevenson and Edward Diggle will be the contestants and interesting play should result. The atmosphere will not be charged with the excitement that pervades a championship match, but that will conduce to good billiards, rather than militate against it. Playing on the same table and under the same conditions for four weeks, it may, without undue optimism, be anticipated that some really" big "billiards will be forthcoming from both men, and it is quite on the cards that a record or two will go.
Diggle will receive 5,000 start, and there will be no "game" called, for the match is to go the full course, irrespective of points, each session lasting two hours. In connection with this match The Sporting Life is organizing a special sealed break prize. The Editor has in his possession the figures of the two breaks which, in the opinion of the billiard staff of The Sporting Life, represent a reasonable best break from either man during the month. At the conclusion of the game the envelope will be opened, and the player whose highest break comes nearest (proportionately) to the sealed figures will be adjudged the winner.
We understand that a Burroughes and Watts "Billiard-diner" (billiard and dining table combined) will be presented to the amateur registering the highest break with ball from hand off the red ivory ball on centre spot during the four weeks, this special and interesting contest amongst spectators commencing at 5 each evening.