In last month's issue we made mention of the remarkable performance of young Jesse James, of Sheffield, aged 16, in making a break of 72 at Snooker on a standard table. A few more particulars of this boy's remarkable play may be of interest. Since Sept. 1st, in ordinary short games of billiards, he has made breaks of 129, 149, 109, 149, 186, 121, 132, 110, 116, 157, 141, and 240. The last break is his record on a full-sized table. He also played Mr. Marsden, a local player, eight games of too up, and gave his opponent a 60 break. In each case he went to game on his second visit to the table. Young James is a quiet, unassuming lad, and is very popular in the district of Sheffield and Chesterfield (where he was born). He is sure to make a fine player; in fact, it is his father's intention to bring him out during the approaching season.
"The more," says The Daily Express, "one watches the methods of young Taylor, the more one is convinced that he is not playing in a style suitable for him. George Gray, the Australian marvel, it is true, did wonders with his cramped, ungainly stance, but that is no reason why other players should imitate him and imagine that it is the only style conducive to a successful exposition of billiards."
With this view and criticism The Billiard Monthly entirely agrees. Taylor should stand up more to his stroke and also abolish his weird method of placing his cue point beyond the ball in sighting.