An Interesting Match at the Argyll Hall

Dawson gives M. Inman 5,000 Points in 10,000 up, and beats him by 258 Points

THERE is no telling exactly how good Dawson is just now. He seems to have inherited the talent to gauge the gait at which his opponent will travel very early in the game. Having so satisfied himself, he will regulate the advancement of his scoring-peg to maintain a gradual decrease of his adversary's lead as only an expert in the business can. This kind of thing is no novelty in professional billiards, nor, doubtless, will those who put these tactics into execution claim exceptional originality for them. They are the product of the last reigning monarch of the billiard world. It is not always wise to follow in the ways of your predecessor, unless virtue has been proved an outcome. Therefore it was with mixed feelings that many lovers of professional displays noted a disposition on Dawson's part to lapse into the old groove, a groove which did not find favour in his eyes a season or two back. This must not be ! Inman is a promising youngster, who, however, has yet much to learn—and unlearn. That " bridge of his remains something of an eye-sore. Yet he has just that element—confidence—about him that will rake him far in his adopted profession. It is good to meet such a determined trier as Inman always is. He requires more points than "half-way" in 10,000 from the Champion, despite the success of the latter by only 258 points. When Dawson, on the Friday, was imbued with the spirit of " forging ahead," then was there something good to see. From having had much the worst of the handicap he straightened out matters to his own liking, towards which circumstance such breaks as 441, 389, and 294 exercised a beneficial influence.