BILLIARDS

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1585, 31 October 1912, Page 9

BILLIARDS

THE CRYSTALATE CUP FINAL, WON BY WAKEM. LOSER'S FINE CLOSING EFFORT.' "lie's gone now!" This was a pretty general comment in Alcock's Rooms, Walter's buildings, last night, towards the close of the Crystallite Cap hnal. "Cone" is a very expressive word among the sporting traverinty, and signifies dvt'euted. Tne comment was in reierenco to 31r. A. .Wakcm, who had led throughout the hnal SUO, but whoso chanco appeared to be rapidly fading as his veteran oppi uonr, Mr. i''. iariell, made a magnificent uphill struggle at tho eleventh nour. It was indeed a splendid effort, and, though unsuccessful, produced what was possibly the most exciting finish ever seen in a billiards final iu Wellington.

Play commenced at 8 p.m., and Mr. U'akem, forcing the play iroiu tho start, •hail a substantial lead of filty alter ibe 30U mark was passed. At 4110 Mr. Farrcil had reduced the lead to about twenty, but, by. consistent play, Mr. Wakeiu lorged ahead again, and presently, tho score stood: 452—413. it seemed to be all over then, but Mr. Farrell 1 jought all his skill to work, and gradually puiied up ground until his scoro read 153. The leader then rail to 497, but missed a fairly easy chance of scoring the v inning points oil the red. Then commenced a most exciting finish. Wliilo Mr. Wakcm was riveted on the 497 mark, his opponent, by a couple of excellent breaks, reached 436, and rheii, having lost the white, broko down in an endeavour to pot the red. ilr. Wakcm now gamed the winning position by a neat cannon, and made no mistake about an easier stroke which followed. 'l'lio game, which was witnessed by a large crowd, closed amid great enthusiasm. The winner's score included bitaks of 36, 26, and 30. Jlr. Farrell made breuks of G8 (highest during the tournameift), 34, 23, 21, and 29. The game was noticeable for' a line all-round display of skill ar.d tactics. Tho Hon. F. M. B. Fisher, who witnessed tho match, subsequently presented the prizes, and said that, v.ith the other spectators, he had thoroughly enjoyed the pretty game, which had called forth skill, judgment, patience, i;iid nerve. He congratulated their old friend, Mr. Farrell, on the manner'in which lie had maintained his nerve right up till the finish. • The winner, Mr. Wakem, had played a fine, free, clashing game, and he hoped that there would bo an eciually "good contest next year. Air. Fisher also congratulated Alcock and Co., Ltd., on their enterprise in promoting the tournament.

Air. Wakem, who received the Crystalate Cup and gold medal, remarked that he was not the best player by a l..ng way, but the luck had been in his favour. He was very sorry to have beaten such a fine old player as Mr. Farrell. ' . llr. Farrell, who w.on both prizes fcr tho highest breaks, passed Ihem cn to the next best—Mr, Keys (a set of balls) and Mr. Fordham (a cue and case). \ At tho conclusion of the tournament the competitors and a few friends accepted the invitation of' Messrs. Alcockjuul Co., Ltd., to supper jit the Hotel Windsor. Mr. C. H. Matthews, manager of the firm, presided, and the function passed off very pleasantly.