IN some respects the match of 12,000 up, even, which was played between Weiss and Harverson at the Grand Hall, and was concluded on Saturday evening, proved something of a disappointment. The change from ivory balls to Bonzoline seemed to upset both men during the early stages of the contest, and, though it did not take them long to get thoroughly in touch, their rivalry was so keen that neither showed quite his best form. Still, a remarkably fine finish atoned for much, and the attendances of the public throughout the ten days were highly satisfactory. Weiss, at one time, got away so far that he appeared certain to win easily, but then played two or three careless strokes - a very dangerous liberty to take with a player of Harverson's remarkable tenacity - and very nearly had to pay the penalty. All through the last two sessions the issue hung in the balance, and the ex-champion of Australia finally won a great game by the very narrow margin of 117 points. Messrs. Thurston supplied an admirable standard table for the match, and Bonzoline balls were used. Details: -
Play was of a very even character this afternoon, Harverson increasing his total by 682 points, while Weiss aggregated 587. The latter's chief breaks amounted to 80, 73, 131, and 74, but Harverson, who experienced very poor luck, accomplished nothing better than runs of 86 and 94, 83 of the latter being made off the red ball alone. In the evening Weiss was in fine form, aggregating 743 points and actually gaining the lead for a brief period, his best contributions being 74, 143, and 87. Harverson only scored a total of 276 with a chief break of 88, but succeeded in overtaking his opponent and was leading by 70 points at the close of play.
Weiss had matters all his own way again this afternoon and put together a total of 869 points to Harverson's 313. The South African was completely out of touch and only contributed one noteworthy break, a nice run of 97, while Weiss was responsible for contributions of 118, 91, 71, and 168, and at the end of the session was leading by 486 points. Harverson showed much improved form in the evening, and with creditable runs of 65, 150, 81, and 83 scored 689 points to his opponent's total of 427. Weiss was constantly in difficulties and!his best efforts only realised 68 and 59.
Weiss was seen to great advantage at this afternoon's session, during which he contributed excellent breaks of 106, 157, 153, and 141 (unfinished), aggregating 803 points to Harverson's 456. The latter's highest runs only amounted to 68 (twice), and at the close of play he was 571 points behind.
Harverson managed to regain a good deal of lost ground at the second session, scoring a total of 719 points to Weiss's 418. The latter player, after increasing his unfinished 141 to the full total of 171, did nothing better than runs of 77, 75, and 68, while Harverson was responsible for capital contributions of 160, 120, 131, and 63.
Weiss was in great form this afternoon, aggregating 954 points and increasing his lead from 270 to one of 669 points. He put together capital breaks of 66, 146, 82, and 271, Harverson meanwhile scoring a total of 555 points with chief contributions of 72 and 117. In the evening Harverson was seen to much better advantage in breaks of 84, a fine 228 (108 off the red ball), and 134, augmenting his total by 668 points.
Weiss, however, had slightly the better of the argument, and aggregated 690 with excellent compilations of 141 (full from 39 unfinished), 75, 81, and 206.
Harverson had considerably the better of this afternoon's play, aggregating 916 points to Weiss's total of 600. The latter player did nothing better than runs of 70 (twice) and a nice 177, while Harverson was seen to advantage in contributions of 187, 99, 103, and 123. In the evening the South African continued to gain ground, and at the close of play was only 154 points behind the leader. His chief breaks amounted to 71, 101, 136, and 69 (unfinished), while Weiss, who often failed to utilise his opportunities, contributed best efforts of 101 and 51.
A very interesting struggle was witnessed this afternoon, Harverson taking the lead during the early part of the session, while on three subsequent occasions the scores were called level, and at the conclusion Weiss was leading by 14 points. His highest breaks were 92 and 55, Harverson, after raising his incomplete item to the full total of 74, being responsible for runs of 60, 87, and 163. Weiss was in fine form at the final session, and playing a very careful game he put together excellent contributions of 82 (twice), 121, and 237, running out the winner by 117 points. Harverson made a. plucky struggle, but was unable to accomplish anything very helpful, his highest efforts only realising 83, 130, and 61.