BILLIARDS EXTRAORDINARY.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2113, 1 December 1880, Page 3

BILLIARDS EXTRAORDINARY.

“ Bell’s Life ’’ of Sept. 25 has the following: “ Mitchell, the ‘ new man,’ has eclipsed all previous performances on an English billiard table. On Thursday night ho gave a wellknown amateur and supporter 1500 start in a match of 2000 up in Bond street, Brighton, before a fair sprinkling of spectators, the table having been specially erected for Mitchell’s practice by Messrs Thurston, of Catherine street. Mr E. Topping, his opponent, gave a miss and next made on attempt at a cannon, but failed, Mitchell following with a break of 50, and subsequently 108, composed of 36 spot hazards. By this time Mr Topping had strung together 10, and ,'at his subsequent stroke Mitchell holed the red and went for his favorite position behind the spot. Amidst breathless excitement ho continued to hold the cue] until he had pocketed the red ball 612 times, the break, which left him within two of game, realising 1839, the largest number ever made at English billiards. On reaching 1000, Mitchell felt a little nervous, and dwelt for quite a minute until the burst of cheering with which he was bailed had passed. But he afterwards darted the red homo time after time like lightning, and often had no occasion to leave his ball, the etrong back twist keeping him in position eight or nine shots consecutively. Three or four times he got too near the cushion, but went round the table and obtained bis place again with marvellous precision. Mr Topping played another shot, but only handled his cue three times, Mitchell getting the required two points in his next essay, and winning the match in the wonderful time of lb 35min.