Pool shark is a title distasteful to most women. But Ruth ("Lefty") McGinnis, 30-year-old daughter of a Honesdale, Pa. barber, is proud of her ability with a cue. When she was only ten, little Ruthie could pocket 15 balls in succession,, barnstormed with Champion Ralph Greenleaf as an "added attraction" to his act. A few years ago, during an exhibition on a substandard table (4½ by 9), Miss McGinnis made a run of 128. World's record on a standard table (5 by 10) is 126.
Last month, tired of solo performances, Ruth McGinnis accepted an invitation to compete for the New York State pocket billiards championship. First woman ever to challenge men in a major billiards tournament, she proved no discredit to her sex. As the tournament entered its homestretch last week, "the skirt" had won four matches, lost five. "I wish I could throw my leg over the table the way men do," said diminutive Miss McGinnis.