The Chronicle

BULAWAYO, Monday, October 9, 1967 — Jimmy Van Rensburg, who came to Rhodesia from Natal seven years ago with a reputation of being, at 20, the youngest player to win the South African amateur snooker title, showed he is still an outstanding cueist when he won the South African snooker championship for a record eighth time at the Crystal Court, Grand Hotel, on Saturday night.

No other player can match Van Rensburg’s record in these championships. In 16 consecutive years of campaigning for the title, the balding 35-year old from Salisbury has been runner-up four times, as well as winning outright on eight occasions.

Although a born humorist, Van Rensburg is a calm, calculated player, who appears to excel under pressure.

He showed these qualities in no uncertain fashion on Saturday night when he clinched the title by beating young Silvino Fransisco, of Western Province, by four frames to nil.

Typically, Van Rensburg was full of praise for his young opponent after their match. He said: “In the short space of three or four years Silvino will be a very good player. When that time comes we can all pack our cues and go home.”

And how right he is. Fransisco is a devastating potter and with a little more experience, will be a strong contender for future South African titles.

However, on Saturday night, Van Rensburg was far too shrewd for the Western Province man, and after struggling to win the first frame, was never really troubled.

The only disappointment of the two-week championships, which were very well organised by the Rhodesia Billiards Control Association, was that Manuel Francisco was unable to defend his billiards and snooker titles.

He had already been selected to represent South Africa in the world amateur billiards championships at Colombo next month and was unable to get leave to attend these championships.

In his absence, Van Rensburg was able to clinch his first SA billiards crown — again by beating Manuel’s brother, Silvino in the decider.