BILLIARDS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1126, 13 May 1911, Page 12

BILLIARDS.

THE LONDON TOURNAMENT. [By Marker.] There, was a splendid attendance at the Solio Square Saloon (London) to witness the iinal session of the. gavno between E. Diggle and T.. Roece. As in the previous session, Diggle was again seen to advantage 1 , and, alter a very intcrestiug display, he ran out a winner by no fewer than 1365 points, the final scores being:—Diggle (rec. 1000), 9000; Recce (rcc. 2250;, 7635. Though the fifth heat in this tournament between Stevenson and Harvcrsoii, which was not finished owing to the indisposition of the former, will lie 'concluded this week, it will have no bearing on the actual result of the handicap, as Diggle's victory over Recco lias enabled him to tio with Ininnn for first prize, each having won six games, and lost two. As previously mentioned, there being no suitable date available to play off, tlio top prize of £100 will be divided. Table of results:— Pl'd, Von. Lost. Imnan (rec. 1000) 8 0 2 Diggle (rec. 1000) 8 6 2 Rceco (rec. 2250) 7 4 3 •Stevenson (scratch) 7 3 4 •Harvcrson (rcc. 2250) ... 7 1 6 'Match not concluded. . The. following is an interesting extract from tlio "London Daily News": —George Gray, like the experts of the golf green, tells us "how ic is done," and it all seems so easy—on paper. This wizard of the green cloth, in 128 pages of a treatise on 'Red Bail Play,' makes his appeal to the amateur player who takes an intelligent interest jn tlio game, in the hope of showing him a simplo and thoroughly connected way of building up breaks. There are lovers of English billiards who prefer the fascination of less monotonous methods, but nOHc can deny that, on the lneclinnism and art of hazard-striking, this wonderful young Australian has tho pre-eminent right to speak, hi ft personal note Gray tells of his preparation for professional billiards at tho ago of ■twelve, and how ho has averaged six and eight hours' practice every day for six years, hi tliis, perhaps, lies the main secret of liis success, and herein ho has the advantage of tho averago amateur, from his own words. However, we learn that "any success 1 have had is to bo attributed to the serious study of the science as a science, and to constant and purposeful practice." Incidentally, Gray relors to good health, and complete concentration of mind as being essential. Then comes the parting shot: "Let mo remind the amateurs of England who have rallied round me so loyally, that tlio red ball game is the secret of success." J.' \V; Reid, tho New Zealand champion, leaves on Monday next for a tour of the West Const (South bland). Mr. Reid, who has just returned from a tour of tho North Island, states that everyone in the billiard lino is complaining of bad business, and all are eagerly awaitinftthe decision in reference to the pool question, as it may make a great difference to their takings. Pool ie an "essential" for any saloon. Mr. Owen Evans, a retired draper, whe for some years lived in apparent poverty in lodgings in Essex Head, Islington, left property worth Mr. Kvans, who was' formerly in business at Monmouth, died in St. Brirtholimew's Hospital in January, aged eighty-five. He left no will, and letters of administration have been granted to his nephew, Mr. David Evans, of Forest Lane, Stratford, E., bath attendant. The most expensive Coronation that ever took place was that of (lie Emperor ef Russia, which cost three millions sterling.