LESSON IN SPORTSMANSHIP

Lake County Mail, Issue 22, 22 October 1947, Page 8

LESSON IN SPORTSMANSHIP

One of America’s most remarkable billiardists Is Charles C. Peterson, whose slogan was, “ Show me the billiards shot I can’t make.” Since mid-1930’5, Peterson has been touring the United States executing shots which cynical enthusiasts claim cannot successfully be played. One of his best trick shots calls for the placing of a silver dollar between two pieces of chalk; Peterson hits the dollar and without disturbing the chalk drives the ball against the cushion. Then by backspin, the ball returns and passes again through the “ gate ” formed by the chalk. Once, a spectator —a. man ‘■whose newly acquired wealth made hint boisterously arrogant —offered to bet 500 dollars that he could not carry out the shot. Peterson refused to accept the wager. ' The spectator regarded him in an unfriendly manner. “Afraid to bet?” he sneered. “Afraid you’ll lose your money, eh?” “ No,” returned Peterson quietly, “ I’m afraid you’ll lose yours. I never bet on billiards because it’s my game. I know what I can do, and what I can’t do. I know that I could play this shot 99 times out of 100. I”ll play it now merely to prove that any man is a sucker who wants to bet another man at his own game.” He went to the table and without much preliminary ‘played the shot easily. The spectator left his seat and shook Peterson’s hand. “ Thank you,” he said simply. “For showing you the shot?” asked Peterson. “ No. For the lesson in sportsmanship you gave me,” replied the other.