William Frederick Hoppe was born at Cornwall on the Hudson, New York, October 11 1887, and consequently is 26 years of age. He started play on the tables in his father's hotel at the age of 6. He began with his brother Frank, both of them using boxes in order to get the proper elevation.
His first professional match was with Taylor, now of Cleveland. This was played at American Hall, Thirtyfirst street, Chicago, Hoppe winning 300 to 270, at 14-2.
Hoppe went abroad in 1904 and won the "Young Masters" tournament at Paris. Two years later Hoppe again invaded Paris, this time in search of the 18.1 world's championship held by Maurice Vignaux.
Hoppe was then in his 18th year and he regards this match as the most prominent in his whole career. He defeated the veteran Frenchman 500 to 323, averaging 20.83, which stood as the championship mark until quite recently.
He made another record average of 135¼ for 541 points in his special 18.2 match with Sutton at Chicago while his grand average of 55 15 27 was also a record. In his last match for the 18.1 [**] he set a world's average of 23.80.
His highest run in 18.2 is 62, made in a game at Paris against Cure. He attributes the large runs made in France to better atmospheric conditions.
The American champion was married three years ago to Miss Alice Webb and has a daughter, Alice, aged 2.
He averages about two hours practice each day. He is a great believer in exercise in the open air and lately has taken up golf.
Billiards Magazine. (Chicago).