Billiards.

Southland Times, Issue 18853, 19 June 1920, Page 9

Billiards.

(By “Spot.”) Fred Lindrum can no longer be termed the champion billiard player of Australia. That title properly belongs to his younger brother, who has more than once during the war period proved that he was the better cueist of the pair. Now in a long game, in which Fred got well away in the early stages, he comes along and defeats the one-time champion by 3543 points. It cannot be claimed that the elder player was not in form, as in the first week he made several large breaks—one over the fifth century, with half a dozen or so more than 300. Until the tenth session Fred maintained the lead, then Waller put in his claim and led by ftUO'J to 8542, at half-way. Waiter Lindrum will probably go to England via South Africa at the close of the present season, and before doing so will probably lay hands on the title of champion of Australia —a claim which I do not think either his brother or Fred Weiss will dispute. If they do they know what to do.

Says "Snooker” in the Sydney Referee;— Heirou and Sindh's balance sheet for the past year has been issued, and despite the scarcity of material ami the high price of everylidng, the linn had a record year with a profit of over £23,000, which has allowed the directors to pay a dividend of 20 per cent, and carry forward a substantial amount. Those who said that there was no money in the billiard business are confounded by these figures, as a business which [lays half their dividend is considered gilt-edged.

According to an Australian scribe Stevenson’s form this season has been of a most brilliant, yet disappointing, character. In one session he would put in displays equal to anything in his career, while next up he would perform like a second-class player. In his game with Inman m the first beat of the Victory Tournament he ran two breaks almost in suc'.-csMun of <OO and 514, made with all his old gracefulness and finish, yet when he came up against young Falkiner for the championship a few weeks later, Stevenson performed more like a marker than a champion. Probably lie wants a rest, and the Imp which he is now undertaking to South Africa may fix him up. The Transvaal amateur championship waa in full swin z when the mad left, and noticeable for an~unfini>.hed break of 102 by Mr Frank Morby, who holds that title in the State. A moit exciting heat was between Messrs Hal horn and Hcilawell. The former reached ,V.)O to 595, and left a double baulk for his opponent, who, however, pulled it o!T, am! won the heat. He is now much fancied for the championship. .iOi- —■