EABAonline
The Billiard Monthly : March, 1914

The Open Amateur Championship

Now that the championship promoted by the Billiard Association has been decided, Mr. Virr again retaining the title, upon which fact all players will offer him their heartiest congratulations, it is interesting to remind our readers and the billiard world generally that what is termed "The Open Amateur Championship," and which will be played under the same conditions as the Professional Championship, commences at the Billiards Control Club on March 9, so that both the amateur and the professional highest honours will be sought for simultaneously. It will be recalled that the Council of the B.C.C. recently took a somewhat drastic and bold step in regulating the status of the amateur. Naturally, such action has evoked in some quarters averse criticism, but, generally speaking, it seems to have met with the approval at any into of those interested in the question. The rule sought to exclude all who obtain pecuniary benefit directly or indirectly from the game of billiards, and this is in accordance with the conditions of amateurism as appertaining to other games. It is, of course, a regrettable fact that there exist two bodies, each claiming to control billiards and the allied games, and it would seem as if this recent legislation must tend to widen the breach between them. It, therefore, remains to be recorded which body will eventually survive or absorb the other. Efforts have already been made towards an amalgamation, but considerations of a purely personal character have up to the present barred the way, Let us hope that wiser counsels may prevail in the immediate future.

Photo of The Open Amateur Championship Cup (6k)
The Open Amateur Championship Cup.

The B.C.C. as is well known, in addition to having the support of the leading professionals and the foremost trading houses, is governed by a Council composed of men with a unique knowledge of the game, combined with such a position in the social world that their disinterestedness is unassailable. The B.A. has not, in the opinion of some, enjoyed quite that popularity or attained to that position of importance in billiard circles that it should have done. Hence the coming into being of the newer, and, perhaps, more virile, body, which appears, moreover, to be now on the eve of embarking on a very active and courageous policy, as demonstrated by the inauguration of the Open Amateur Championship of 1914.

We understand that this was originally fixed to take place in January, but, owing to difficulties as regards new tables being erected for the games so that members would be unduly favoured as compared with non-members of the club, it was decided to postpone the competition until March. Subjoined is a list of the entries and of the draw, and a few details as to some of the players. The cup which will be awarded to the victor is of very handsome and chaste design, which can best be appreciated by the photograph of it here reproduced.

It has been decided that in accordance with the best traditions of all contests held under the auspices of the B.C.C. no advertisement shall accrue to any firm of manufacturers by the use of their tables, and, further, no gate money will be taken at the club premises where the games will be played, but the public will have free access to watch the games upon application for tickets to the Secretary of the B.C.C. at the club premises, Great Windmill House, Piccadilly Circus, W. These tickets will be limited in number.

The games will be of 1,000 points each and will be held at the Club in two sessions of 500 points each. The times for the commencement of play for each session will be 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. No charge will, as above stated, he made for admission. The heats are as follows:—

Appended are a few details relating to some of the players:—