GREAT BILLIARDS PLAYER

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 199, 17 May 1919, Page 7

GREAT BILLIARDS PLAYER

® SKETCH OF INM-AN. The remarkably fine form displayed by Inmnn throughout the competition for the Professional Billiards Championship, so far as it has gone, has shown him to be a greater player to-day than ever before. Comparisons between champions of the past and the leading players of the present are always difficult in any branch of'sport, and billiards is no exception. Yet there are many who believe that, there has never been a greater exponent of the game than the present holder of the title. As Inman is playing at tho present lime the belief undoubtedly lias much to justify it. Had Stevenson been leading when tho half-way-stage of the game of 1G,0(I0 points up was reached it would not have caused nn immense amount of surprise;'- indeed.-"the game seemed to he full of possibilities when it was begun a week ago. for Stevenson in sotuo of his recent games had been playing as well as ever he did. Yet at half-time, as it were, Intuan is nearly IMO in front.

It may be said that the luck has been against Stevenson, and that he has faileo to reproduce his best form. Luck, however, lias played a very minor part sr> far, and the fact that Stevenson played poorly at times does not detract in any way from the real merit -of Inman's achievement. Inman has out-played his rival during the first half of ,tho match to such an extent that he is now almost certain to -retain his title. It is no exaggeration when it is said that he has been playing wonderful billiards. Itis great achievements are n strong argument in favour of the all-rounn game. Temperamentally Tnman js sititei* to big match play, but there arc more reasons than that for his remarkable success. Fascinating and beautiful lo watch, as the nursery camions and top of tho tablo play undoubtedly are, the more all-round game seems to heat them. All-round is comprehensive in its meaning for it includes every conceivable stroke in the game. The losing hazard plays a particularly important part in the innke-up of any big break by liiuian, but there are lots of other shots-which the champion makes with equal precision. His long cushion cannons are made with absolute accuracy, while those red winners, which nro so difficult to many nmnteur players, are perfectly done. Tunian's touch is delicate enough when the cir.cumstances call for light treatment, and his slow screw losers and cannons aro made with as much delicacy as is possible.

Inman is unquestionably a great, exponent of the game. His achievements during the past week showed him to be the greatest player of the present time, and perhaps of any other. His consistency is amazing; he is almost a machine; hut he is never dull.