sentences:  The Championship was played on a challenge basis with the entrants, playing off for the right to challenge the Champion, Joe Davis, in the final.The Billiards Championship was contested on a challenge basic at the time and the same system was used for the snooker championship.The first match played was between Tom Newman and Fred Smith at the Albert Hall, Kenilworth Street, Leamington Spa from 28 to 30 December.