and usually self-proclaimed. Until, of course, Frances Anderson came along. The Indiana native merely
proclaimed herself Champion of the World, and offered $5,000 to any woman who could beat her at
pocket billiards. Anderson toured the country, playing both men and women. Legend has it, she went
undefeated for 25 years against her female competitors. She was paid handsomely for her appearances
throughout the 1920's, taking on challengers and giving exhibitions, in both America and Europe. She
followed this up with a well-publicized announcement that shocked the pool-playing world. Her real
name was Orie (from Kansas), not Frances and she was actually a he.