Forthcoming One-Handed Billiards Championship
(Special to The Billiard Monthly.)
A novel match, which is already creating exceptional interest among billiard enthusiasts, for the title of one-handed champion, will be played at Messrs. Orme's Salon on April 6, 7, and 8. It is the outcome of a challenge by J. Jevons to Frank Collins, who claims the title. The game will be 2,500 up, and there are stakes of £25 aside, the whole of the gale receipts going to the winner.
Collins is the head marker at the Palmerston Restaurant, and also officiates as referee of the handicap and championship. His father, George Collins, was well known in the old Aquarium days, and won several All-England tournaments. That billiards runs in the family is proved In the fact that Frank's two sisters Eva and Ella are both clever cueists who have taken pan in public matches.
It was in the year 1900 that Frank first took to playing with one hand, and it was to oblige his many clients that he did so. Finding he could make good breaks, he continued to practise, and three years later be played a match of 1,200 up with H. Reeves for £80 a s i d e, and this he won by 260 points. His highest break with one hand is 158, but his public record is 110.
Playing with members of the Stock Exchange, he frequently makes breaks of 50 to 80, and only the other day he compiled an excellent 90, which testifies to his prowess. He has taken part in over a hundred public matches already, many of which were in the North of England, while he has also played in the Albert Hall, Edinburgh.
In conclusion, it may be mentioned that several private gentlemen are interesting themselves on his behalf, and he is confident that he will successfully defend his title.
J. Jevons, or, as he is more popularly known, Johnnie, is a great favourite amongst West End sportsmen, and as head marker at the Royal Automobile Club is regarded with great esteem. Even better known, however, is he round about Birmingham, which is his native town. It is certainly strange that Jevons is a left-handed player and often makes a three-figure break, his record being 156. He has taken part in considerable money matches in Birmingham, where he has never been defeated. Two years ago he played a match against J. Clarke, taking three strokes to the latter's two, Clarke playing the ordinary game, and Jevons only lost by 12 points. He is also very clever at Snooker, and he defeated the famous Joe Chapman in a level game. Jevons also has taken part in a number of exhibition matches in London, and wherever he goes he is always appreciated. Popular prices will be the order, 2s. for admission or 7s. 6d. for the three days. Large attendances are certain to be recorded, as both men are well supported.
G.E.R.