Legend has it that the British Armed Forces stationed in India made it very popular. In the year 1875, Sir Neville Chamberlain, who went on to become the Prime Minister of the UK suggested adding colour balls to make it into the “Snooker” game. This was done at the Officers’ Mess in Jabalpur (MP).
The first set of rules for snooker was also drafted at Ootacamand in then Madras province in 1882. In a reversal of events, the then-British Billiards Champion sought permission from Sir Neville Chamberlain to introduce “Snooker” to England in 1885.
Over the years India produced many greats in this game. To name a few who played at our Club are Mr Wilson Jones in the year 1972 Sept; Mr Michael Ferreira and Mr Pankaj Advani. All three are world champions at various times.
The oldest snooker table in our Club dates back to the year 1892 and then 2 more were added.
The 1892 table has eight (8) sturdy legs with a frame on top and with 6 (six) holes.
A set of 5 two inch Italian slate stones rest on the frame on which the green baize cloth is pasted. The edges have a protrusion to protect the balls from hitting the wooden frame directly – these are called cushions. They are made of teak wood covered with a felt cloth.
This beauty and its two other sister tables are in absolutely immaculate condition.
Iron and Snooker / Billiard Balls
Iron
This Iron was brought in from England, more than 100 years back. It is used to heat the baize cloth to hasten the roll of the balls. This is a necessity as the slate stone underneath becomes cold – hindering the roll. We continue to use this even now. The only change is, the charcoal “Sigdi” is replaced with an electric heater.
These “IRONS” were made in England.
Snooker / Billiard Balls
The picture below is from our collection of over 100 years old billiard balls. Over the years the very colour of them has changed. The blue ball now looks green, and the white one looks yellow.