The 17th World Cushion Billiards Championships began in Buenos Aires on Monday (6 October) with first round wins to local player Osvaldo Berardi and Frenchman Francis Canesson.

Berardi began the 71/2 square specialty with 1 300-104 win over Chile's Hernan Bustos.

Canesson was not extended either, beating Mexican Pulido Chavez 300-82.

The Championships are being decided between ten world-ranked players, representing seven nations ... France, West Germany, Japan, Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Argentina.

Belgium ... the country with the most successful record in the championship with nine previous wins ... are not represented this year.

The first championship was contested in 1929 and won by Egypt's Souzza.

Cushion billiards varies from other forms of the game, in that the tables used have no pockets.