The first match for the Championship was played at St. James's Hall, February 11th, 1870, between John Roberts, senior, father of the present John Roberts, and William Cook, senior, father of William Cook, the well-known professional of to-day. The late King Edward, then Prince of Wales, honoured the match with his presence. Hundreds of tickets were sold at a sovereign each, but the supply was not equal to the demand, and the day before the game as much as five pounds was paid for a good seat. Cook won by 117 points, reaching game with an unfinished break of 68, the final scores reading:—Cook, 1,200; Roberts, 1,083.
If you are playing badly do not find fault with the implements of the game.
Beware of the man who is no player, but knows a great deal about the game; he will do you more harm than good.