Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 31, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 February 1915 — INMAN COMES FROM FAMILY OF PLAYERS [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

INMAN COMES FROM FAMILY OF PLAYERS

Melbourne Inman, English billiard champion, who was touring the United States and Canada in company with Willie Hoppe and playing matches in which English billiards and the American game alternated, comes of a line of forbears noted for their skill with the cue. His grandfather and his granduncle were excellent players, although not professionals. His father, Robert W. Inman, who is still living, conducted a club for gentleman players and gave instructions. The British championship, which Inman has won three times in the seasons of 1911-12, 1912-13, 1913-14, consists of preliminary rounds of 9,000 points for SSOO a side if there ' are entfugh entrants, and the finals match of 18,000 points for SI,OOO a side, a purse of $250, a gold medal, the challenge cup, and the net gate receipts. These events are conducted by the Billiards Control club of Lon-

don. His last triumph brought Inman nearly three thousand dollars from all sources. He defeated Thomas Reece, challenger, who had previously beaten George Gray and H. W. Stevenson. Following the tourney proper Inman defeated Stevenson in a special match for SI,OOO a side. In figuring his $3,000 earnings, Inman received $1,750 from the gate receipts, SI,OOO stake money, and the $250 purse. The matches were played in Holborn hall, London, 1,500 points a day, at admission prices equivalent to 50 cents, $1 and $1.50 in United States money. Inman holds the world’s record of 744 for tournament play, established last year in his match with Reece. He has recorded 787 and 894 in practice. He also holds the Canadian mark of 501 set at Winnipeg and the South African mark of 546 made at Pretoria.

Melbourne Inman, English Billiard Champion.