User:Astrolabus/sandbox

World 18.2 Balkline Championship

Balkline billiards became increasing popular in the USA and continental Europe during the early part of the 20th Century. World Championship tournaments for 18.2 where held on a semi-regular basis from the beginning of the century until the mid 1930's, after which point the game popularity of the game waned and the public's and players interest turned to other games such as 3-cushion or pocket billiards.

The organisation of the world championship was based around a round-robin tournament, then the champion would face several challenge matches over the following months. This helped to maintain public interest in the championship and as the players would be entitled to a share of the gate receipts, it could also prove lucrative for the champion. Additionally it had the effect of creating multiple world champions in a very short time or single players winning several world titles in the same year.

1903 - 1st World Championship Tournament February 3rd  Paris

500 Points Per Game

After tournament concluded with three players on same number of wins, championship was decided by French courts based on Grand average.

Challenge Matches

1906 - 2nd World Championship Tournament April New York City

500 Points Per Game

Challenge Matches 1909 - 3rd World Championship Tournament March 22nd New York City

500 Points Per Game

After winning the title Morningstar declined to defend his title, therefore no challenge matches played, and new tournament organised in the same year.

1909 - 4th World Championship Tournament November 22nd - December 3 rdNew York City

500 Points Per Game

With no clear winner, top three players agreed to second round of play off matches, which took place in December, with Demarest emerging as the winner.

Challenge Matches 1912 - 5th World Championship Tournament November 11th New York City

500 Points Per Game

Challenge Matches 1919 - 6th World Championship Tournament October 20th- October 25th New York City

Reduced to 400 Points Per Game, and decision to eliminate challenge matches.

1920 - 7th World Championship Tournament December 6th- October 8th New York City

400 Points Per Game, only three entrants,each player played twice.

1921 - 8th World Championship Tournament November 14th- November 23rd Chicargo

400 Points Per Game, challange matches reintroduced.

Schaefer awarded title on Grand Average.

Challenge Matches 1922 - 9th World Championship Tournament November 13th- November 21st New York 

400 Points Per Game

1923 - 10th World Championship Tournament October 29th- November 5th New York 

500 Points Per Game

Due to Hoppe and Cochran finishing with four wins each, no champion was declared. To decide the champion a play off match was arranged between Hoppe and Cochran.

Hoppe was the eventual winner after defeating Cochran 1500 to 1161.

Challenge Matches

1925 - 11th World Championship Tournament Febuary 23rd- March 4th Chicago 

400 Points Per Game

Challenge Matches