BILLIARDS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 310, 25 September 1918, Page 6

BILLIARDS

CRYSTALATE CUP WON BY A. J. CONGDON. The final in the Crystalate Cup contest was played at Alcock's rooms last night, the game being between A. J. Congdon, of the Commercial and Farmers' Club, Masterten, and J. Key, of the Working Men's Club, Wellington. At the start both men played nervously, but at the tenth cue they each scored breaks of about 20, and then settled down in earnest. Congdon's best effort, in the evening was a break of 52, embodying quite a variety of strokes. In another break of 31 this same player gave quite a neat exhibition of 'top-of-the-tßble play. There are few shots that Congdon cannot get with reasonable certainty, and he shows no hesitation in attempting the unusual. Key also played all-round billiards, and on several occasions scored difficult, cannons, which drew applause from the enthusiastic audience. This player was certainly not in any way fortunate, and on quite a number of occasions had .the misfortune to lose the white when that ball was essential for further progress. The best breaks were: Congdon. 20. 35, 35, 52, 31, 20; Key, 22, 39, 35, 28. As this is tho fifth time Mr. .Congdon has won this cup it now becomes his personal property, and he receives ns well a prold medal. Mr. Key received the second prize—tho set of balls played with, and Mr. TV. N. Tucker receives an Alcock cue and case for tho highest break made bv a,non-winner. lii presenting the prizes, the manager of Alcock's congratulated v the winners on their skilful and sportsmanliko exhibitions, and expressed the regret that both Mr. Congdon and Mr. Key wore not able to compete in the New Zealand Championshin just held. In responding, Mr. Congdon thanked Messrs. Alcack for the exceljent farilities afforded thf contestants and for tho courtesy extended to them and the public.