BILLIARDS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 11110, 6 May 1911, Page 12

BILLIARDS.

GRAY AND HAKVERSONv [Br Masker.] When, a short time back, H. ¥.■ Stevenson, tho English champion gave ,it as his opinion that tho young Australian, Georgo Gray, would, sonic time or another niako a break of 2000, ha in all probability had no idea the feat would be so soon accomplished. Well, Stevenson's prophecy has been fulfilled, for Gray,- who lias been making his thosuand off the balls almost weekly, surpassed anything lie had previously, dono by compiling a break of 219G, What lie would have added to this wonderful run, Lad lio Jiad further io go. can only bo a matter of conjecture, li was his final break, and he had the red ball "dead over the middle pocket, and nothing rnoro on the table to hamper or interfere with his striking. Gray commenced what proved to bo Ins final run on a Friday afternoon, and was still in possession of the tablo when he ran out a winuor with 2196 unfinished. Harverson, his opponent, had to play the part of spectator during the last three- sessions. Gray, playing with any amount of confidence, never got an inch out of liis stride and, when ho beat his own record, there was loud and continued cheering. After halting for a minute- or so tho colonial again attacked the red, and, never losui" anytlijng like position, ho reach* od 2000, amid a scene of much excitement. Continuing, ho quickly reached tho required number of points, and wat carried shoulder high round tho roonu Final scores: Gray, 8000: Harversou. 3801.

Everything pointed to a close and oxcitiiig finish to tho tournament, heat between lumau (roe. 1000) and Stevenson (scratch). Ai> the beginning nf tho final session Inman was then leading by only 7 points and, having nil tho best of tho engagement, he gained o gioat victory over his rival by 323 points. The iinal scores were: Ininan, i>000; Stevenson, 8677. By this win Inman now heads tho list and, should Diffglo be beaten by Kocce this , week, Inman will take first prize, £100. In tho event of Digglo winning, a tie will result between liiin and the Billiards Association champion. According to cable, messages, it look> ed as if legal hostilities had commenced between tho Grays and their new manager. The Grays' engagement with Roberts was for two years, from April 2 Inst. A number of newspapers commented upon George Gray's refusal to play K Diggle. Gray's father stated in reply that the refusal to play was duo to a disagreement between himself and John. Roberts, regarding tho interpretation to bn put upon Young Gray's playing. Later, George. Gray's solicitor stated thati the Australian never engaged to play Diggle, and he repudiates any engagement purporting to bo made on behalf of John Roberta.