Billiard News and Comment
The Attitude Adopted by Gray
"The bent knees stance one often sees (I am bound to confess, I personally used it, years ago) is no good unless the player leans heavily for support upon the table like George Gray, who has a style all his own. The Australian losing-hazard expert points both toes in the direction he makes his stroke, and he adopts a half-sitting posture. He strikes wonderfully true, too, but he lacks freedom of stroke, and his methods are not suited to the all-round game. For his own particular shots—the losing hazards out of the "D"— what he does could not be bettered; but what I consider to be the defects of his style all come out when he tries to play the all-round game.—T. Aiken, in The Edinburgh Evening News.
Lindrum and Gray's Methods Contrasted
In point of fact the Lindrum red-ball break is a very different affair from that which is the specialty of the younger Australian. Gray confines his red losing hazards as far as possible to the middle pocket, seldom or never using the top ones, unless the object ball has drifted out of the midway circle, and it is necessary to regain position. But Lindrum builds up his large breaks principally by means of the long losing hazard into the top pockets. He loses no time in transferring his operations from the middle to the top of the table, and incidentally leaving the opponent's white ball half-way up as a resource in case of emergencies, instead of disposing of it altogether after the manner of Gray. No doubt there is a psychological issue latent in this difference of style, if there were time to think it out —The Times.
Amateur Championship of Leeds
Mr. A. W. A. Smith won on November 28 the amateur billiards championship of Leeds, defeating Mr. Joseph Henry (junior) in the final by 500 points to 372. The match was played at Messrs. Mawson's Rooms, Ventnor Street, and there was a large attendance. Mr. Smith made several breaks of over 30 and one of 49. Mr. Henry's best break was 46. The prizes were presented at the close by the Rev. William Ferens, vicar of St. Simon's, Mr. Smith taking the challenge cup, to be held for twelve months, and a gold medal. Mr. Henry was presented with a silver cigarette case, and he won the set of balls which had been used in the match for having made the biggest break of the tournament—61. Messrs. T. Henry and H. Dawson, the defeated semi-finalists, were each presented with a cue and case.
Diggle to Visit Australia
For a number of years Australian billiard players have expressed a wish that Edward Diggle, the well-known Manchester player, should pay them a visit. Roberts, Stevenson, Dawson, Inman, and Reece have all been on tour there, but Diggle has hitherto failed to be templed by the offers made to him to go out. It is announced that at the close of the present season Diggle will leave England for Australia, where he will play for 14 weeks. He will have as a partner Harverson, who will also be paying his first visit. There will also be in Australia at the same time, as Diggle and Harverson three other English players—Inman, Reece, and Williams—whilst it is thought that the Australian champion, Lindrum, and George Gray may also have returned.
Manchester Charity Handicap
For the past eight years the outstanding event in the Manchester billiard season has been the Manchester Charity Handicap, and this year's tournament, now commenced, promises to be even more successful than previous ones.
As the result of the last handicap £150 was divided between the Charter Street Mission, the Police Aided Association for Destitute Children, and the Cinderella Fund, and this season the committee hope to improve upon even this considerable sum. Mr. W. F. B. Ward is again the. chairman, and on the committee are Messrs. H. A. O. Lonsdale, examateur champion, T. Fitton, W. H. Clegg, A. Lucas, J. Higginson, T. Colics, and H. E. Wolstenholme. Mr. W. N. Ward has succeeded Mr. Fitton in the onerous duties of hon. secretary.
Birmingham Amateur Championship
The Birmingham and District Amateur Billiard Championship for 1911-12 will be commenced early this month.
Every effort has been made to make the competition thoroughly representative of the best amateur talent in the district, and it is anticipated that it will be the most successful yet held. The first prize consists of a silver cup (value ten guineas) and a second prize of three guineas, a third prize of two guineas, and other awards will also be given.
The hon. secretary is Mr. F. W. Morton, 35, Victoria Road, Harborne. The entrance fee is 10s. 6d., inclusive of everything, and the games are of 500 up, played with bonzoline balls.
The Late John Lloyd
John Lloyd, formerly Welsh professional champion, passed away at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, on the 15th November, and was buried on the following Tuesday, at Tooting Cemetery. He was a notable figure in the billiard world of twenty or thirty years ago and held the Welsh championship until defeated by the late John North. His immediate contemporaries in the old Aquarium days were Peall, Mitchell, Richards, Taylor, and Sala. He was born at Bala, North Wales, on the 21st of August, 1853, and was, therefore, at the time of his death, 58 years of age. He was a great tournament player, winning five tournaments and being second on four occasions.
His largest "all-in" break was 775, and in 1891 he made his highest "spot barred" break of 303. He won the English Handicap on December 14, 1895, receiving 149 points start in heats of 700 up, and defeated W. J. Peall (scratch) in the final heat (1,400 up, with start doubled), by 121 points. The following players competed: J. North (scratch), C. Memmott (Australian champion, 65 start), J. Coles, H. W. Stevenson (each 70 start), T. Taylor (125 start), J. P. Mannock (140 start), G. Collins, J. Dowland (each 160 start), and J. H. Whittle (320 start).
Lloyd was at one time in partnership with F. White, at 17, Sherbourne Lane, E.C. He was very successful as a billiard tutor, and in later years was chosen as referee for the amateur championships and other amateur contests. He retired from the profession in April, 1903, taking up the stewardship of the Royal London Yacht Club, Cowes, Isle of Wight.
Manchester Amateur Charity Tournament
In the Manchester Amateur Charity tournament on November 29, the ex-amateur champion, Mr. H. A. O. Lonsdale (owes 75), won his game against A. Lucas (rec. 200) by 100 points.