Alfredo De Oro’s Glorious 1918 Return to Cuba

Alfredo De Oro’s Glorious 1918 Return to Cuba

In 1918, after a decades-long absence, billiard champion Alfredo de Oro returned home to his native Cuba. His mission: to defend the world title. Some years ago I took a deep dive into three-day match, now remembered as one of the most dramatic in the history of three-cushion billiards. It was played out Jan. 10-12, 1918 and the challenger was a man named Charles Otis, then one of the leading...

Master Class Sharking: The Alfredo De Oro Bladder Technique

The Alfredo De Oro Bladder Technique I wrote an essay sometime back in which I listed some of the most popular sharking techniques in history. Somehow I neglected to mention one of my favorites. During the 1936 World Billiards Tournament, when Alfredo De Oro was 71 years old, the Cuban master found himself matched up against the legendary Welker Cochran. Cochran was then at the top of his game....