New-York tribune., 1906-03-28


George r. slossoa-o ;. O. Z g. l3 !. o. g. O. O II.
1o = 2. IL O. O. l. u. O. 80 5. ? :. a. 2s 10 H.
O. j. 10. O. o !. q. 8 10 q. ? so = 10. Total. ssl
Average 2i-45. High runs 81, p. 80
Willie Hoppe defeated George T. sIossor in the
concert hall at the Grand Central Palace last
night for the worlds championship at 1S.1
bslkine Billiards by score Of 800 TO 39l. Youth,
enthusiasm and wonderful skill trfumphed over
age. experience and judgment, and not man
there was who watched the struggle through
four long hours but must admit that the honors
were won on the merits Of the play. In winning
Hoppe retained the title he won only two months
ago from Maurice vignaux. the French veteran.
The game was slow and was lacking in high
runs and high averages. such as have character
fzed the play Of the contestants in practice.
For all that there were no dull moments. and the
biggest and most remarkable crowd which ever
watched a billiard match in this or any other
country went home well satisfied. Slosson made
the high run OF the game with 81. Hopes high
run was IS. and he averaged 10 +0-46. Slosson
averaged 31-85. Hoppe won the match in the
fo-ty-siKth inning with two simple shots. Hardly
had the balls stopped rolling when a mighty
cheer went up for the youthful champion who is
sun in his teens. His friends rushed upon him
and fairly smothered him with congratulations.
and he was shaking hands for fifteen minutes
Slosson was not forgotten. but most Of the
cheers were for the youngster who had defended
his title braveIy.
Hoppe missed many easy shots. but on the
whole his game showed him to be a master Of
the art. He always held slight advantage, and
at no time appeared fustered or excited He
used his draw shots to advantage, and this
counted largely in his favor. He improved as
the game progressed and gave his followers few
anxious moments
Slosson refused draw shot after draw shot
and depended largely on cushion caroms. which
Is hardly the best type for ISL billiards. His
single cushion shots were marvelIously accurate
and his round the table play was brilliant. even
If failed Of its purpose He hardly played the
game Of which he IS capable. but said after the
match he had no excuses 10 offer
The big hall where the match was played has
& seating capacity Of 2O00. and every seat was
occupied and even standing room was at pre-
MUM Hundreds were disappointed who had
DELAYED getting their tickets till the last min
ute There were lines in front OF the box office
which extended up Lexington avenue for block
and a half and there were not tickets enough
20 20 around. The spectators did a land office
business They had no trouble in disposing Of
choice seats for s. apiece, and even they were
gone before the match began
II was a representative crowd and enthu-
siastic one. Lovers Of the game from this and
appreciated the treat that was IN store. They
were not disappointed, either, the match
from end 10 end was intensely interesting and
highly entertaining. The crowd was fairly inn
partial with iJs applause, although the youth
ful champion seemed 10 be a slight favorite with
The majority. Neither lacked encouragement,
however. Every shot was watched with breath
less attention. while there was hearty and spon-
taneous applause for the many brilliant ones, in
which each player shared.
The table was set in the centre and the seats
were placed on an inclined floor which gave the
hall the appearance Of a miniature amphthe
atre Everybody had an uninterrupted view Of
the table from those in the first TO the last
seats in the second gallery. Only the referee
and the players were allowed within ten feet of
the table.
Among those who watched the match were
many masters Of the cue including Jacob
Schaefer. who has twice held the championship;
George sutton. who has held the title once; Ed
ward ". Gardner. who won the national ANA
teur championship at Chicago last week: J F.
F7oggen burg Albert Cutler Ora Mornngstar.
Louis Cure the French expert who got here
few days ago to play in the coming tournament
Daily and a host Of lesser lights
Hoppe was a decided favOrits in the betting
at odds Of , TO l. Most Of th- va gers were made
81 that price. although the mora daring admir-
srs of the youthful champion gaze as high as
20 for the sake Of getting bet down Ed
f ward mclaughlin was the referee
STYLE OF THE PLAYERS
There was marked difference IN the style
O. The t"o players Hoppe stands slightly side
ways AZ the table. and his cue seemed 10 take
hold Of the balls softly but firmly Foldness
and speed characterized his play and almost
before the balls had stopped rolling he had
inquired out The next shot and lost no time IN
gong after H. With all his holiness however
MS touch was delicate, and ar times the halls
seemed 10 ne fairly under the control OF his will
fHe did not coHfne himself 10 any particular
bi1le or play. Complicated cushions dazlinz
draws and Intricate masses all appeared alike 10
nm as Tar as could be judged and he PLAYED his
snots with that easy uOnchalance that besnoka
coLncence born Of success
Slossons style was less attractive although
---Ie ne less eHecuye. He played with a stiff
wrist and a rigid forearm. He took more time
81 the table, made closer study OF each shot
arc vas deliberate and methodical. He has been
ca4led the greatest cue general that ever steDped
70 d lktle' ana he did not fail to his head
ilset night as well as his hands He never lost
4h opportunity 70 leave his opponent safe II
losSlDle' ana ne succeeded at times. His wide
Playing and good execution in the open were
features OF his play He applied himself closely
70 ne business at hand, and nothing ESCAPED
MIN that he could turn 70 advantage
me condltions for the match called for 500
points at lS-inch balkine. one shot in for the
worlds championship and the trophy valued an
S1Vyy. offered by the Brunswick Bs lke-C lender
company Each player deposited $500. as re-
CURED by The deed Of gift, and this forfeit to-
gether with The net gate receipts. went TO the
Hoppe won his title for the first time on jan
gaFy 10 IN Paris. when he defeated Maurice
FlgnauZ, the French master. in a match which
startled the billiard world The first worlds
championship at 1S1 billiards was played here
n 1871 and Soss0n won. Since then the title
9as been he'd successfully by schaefer. Ives
Schaefer, Sutton. VignaUX. Hoppe and now
Hoppe again.
DETAILS OF THE GAME
Il was 20 O'Clock when the balls were carefully
weighed in the balance scales and the two con-
testants put their cues together. Then came the