Truth demands (although sentiment, perhaps, resents it) that one should describe Clark McConachy, the New Zealand champion, as chiefly a red-ball exponent. He is an extremely clever stroke player, and does his best to mix his scoring methods in order to impart variety to his game, but when breaks are essential he has to turn to the coloured ball. In this he infringes no rule, written or unwritten, and he is easily the most attractive red ball artist that the game has ever known.
His cue action, his striking mannerisms, his restless energy, his keenness and concentration, and his seeming preference for the long raking shot into the top pockets will always attract crowds wherever he is playing. He fascinates by his showmanship, as well as by that remarkable long loser, the like of which has rarely before been seen in English billiards.
Since Melbourne Inman made his 300 off the red (October 12, 1906) and advertised himself as the champion losing hazard player of the world, three Colonials have taught us how little we knew of the immense possibilities of this stroke as a break-builder. These three are George Gray (who revolutionized our game), Fred Lindrum (Australian champion), and Clark McConachy. Each of this trio has four-figure breaks to his credit, whereas no English player has ever yet taken anything like a thousand off the red, apart from the spot stroke. Indeed, the highest authenticated run off the red by an English player is the 633 by Willie Smith on May 26 last.
The Amateur Championship entry of 22 is slightly smaller than that of twelve months ago, but class seems to be better represented than in any previous championship. Sidney Fry (holder), J. Graham Symes, Major Fleming, and Councillor S. S. Christey, have all won the blue riband, and G. A. Heginbottom, and W. H. Marshall are no strangers to the final stage.
There are other champions and ex-champions in the field, too, notably A. Croneen and Malcolm Smith (Scotland), J. G. Taylor (Midlands), Sam Mayo (Music Halls), C. L. Taylor (West of England), G. F. Briggs (Army champion, 1908-9-10), W. McLeod (Middlesbrough), and A. E. Graham (Essex). There is a difference of 54 years between the oldest and youngest competitors. That hardy and constant championship veteran from Brighton —R. Hill New—is seventy, and A. Ellson, of Ilford, sixteen.
McConachy and Tom Reece were honoured with an invitation to give an exhibition at one of the most exclusive of West End clubs on November 24. His Majesty the King, I hear, was present, and appeared delighted with the display.
Referring to the Professional Tournament just beginning, it may not be generally known that the tournament principle in any form of sport or pastime owes its introduction into this country to Messrs. Burroughes & Watts.
J. P. Mannock, manager of the New Burroughes Hall, thinks that Joe Davis, the 20-year-old Chesterfield professional, will be champion in three years time. "J.P." is a pretty shrewd judge, but one questions his wisdom on this occasion. Davis is indeed good, but needs experience yet that will take him more than three years to gather.