T. Reece, the well-known billiard professional, was defendant in an action at Manchester on June 16, in which a share was claimed from him of his winnings in a match played in 1908 with A. E. Williams, formerly of Nottingham.
The plaintiff was Joseph Oldfield, billiard-room manager, of Manchester, formerly in partnership with Reece.
Oldfield alleged that after Reece lost one match with Williams another was arranged for £250 aside, and he (Oldfield) signed a joint promissory note to money-lenders with Reece for £150 of this amount, on the undertaking that the winnings were to be divided. Reece won the match, but gave him nothing.
Reece denied the alleged agreement to divide the winnings, slating that Oldfield signed the note as a friend.
In cross-examination Reece said even matches he lost were profitable to him, adding: "I never play for my own money, except when it is an extraordinarily good thing."
Judgment was in Reece's favour.