Local blackball player Lionel Chetty (44) represented the Proteas seniors team at the prestigious European Blackball Association Championships, which was played in Gibraltar recently.

Some 600 competitors from 17 countries took part in the tournament. Lionel played in the A division and received an international world ranking of 28th out of 100 players.

Lionel born and brought up in Port Shepstone is a well-known pool player, and only discovered he was natural in cue sports 8-ball pool in 1999.

“I love this sport and to be a good pool player one has to have confidence and killer instincts to adapt to any pool table and environment.”

Lionel currently plays for Ghanies Lounge, Margate in the South Coast social pool league. He also plays competitive pool at Action Sports Bar in the super league and other events, which is affiliated to the South African Blackball Federation. He also spends time at Q-bit Pool Academy.

Pool is his passion and Lionel practises about two to three days a week. He has played and won many tournaments, namely super leagues, and singles and doubles competitions.

His message for young players, “Firstly play pool competitively if you love the sport, it will make learning fun and easier. The rest will come with the extra effort you put in. Confidence and adaptability are crucial,” said Lionel.

He thanked his sponsors for making his trip possible.

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