An Aussie Ace

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Unknown to many, Walter Lindrum was probably the best billiards player of all time. Born in Australia, Lindrum came to the UK and competed in the English Billiards Association, holding the World Professional Billiards Championship title from 1933 until his retirement in 1950. Affectionately known as “Wally”, Lindrum was an Australian Joe Davis and May even have been better with 57 World titles to his name.and decorated with an OBE.

Billiards, a game that in recent years has fallen off the media radar, was the original form of snooker and a popular game in the pre and post war years. Lindrum and the Davis brothers were the pioneers of cue sports and could have probably coped well in the modern game but not with attacking play.Lindrum had billiards blood with his brother, grandfather and father being champions.

Walter passed away in Australia in 1960 at the age of 61, being given a state funeral in recognition for his sporting efforts. He died suddenly from either a heart attack or food poisoning from a steak and kidney pie. Sir Donald Bradman, the great Australian cricketer said after his passing “In my opinion he was not only the greatest billiards player who ever lived, but the most modest of great champions”.

Lindrum was buried in Melbourne General Cemetery and money was raised to to give Walter a stylish grave, representing a billiards table.A great player and sportsman, Lindrum is not too well known these days but his legacy still shines over the modern billiards and snooker games.Without such players, the baize would be a poorer place.
https://youtu.be/nBdRmVJtTPc

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