Sometimes the simpler sports are all the more challenging – ask anyone who has ever tried Backgammon – and blackball pool certainly fits the bill – simple enough for anyone to play (and let’s be honest, most of us have given it a shot down the pub, or maybe social club or even pool hall), but it takes a lot of practice to reach the top of the tree, as it does at any sport.
At its simplest the concept is to pot all of your colour (red or yellow these days, or spots and stripes in some places), followed by the black –even I can understand that, but is it really that simple? Like other cue sports, it’s not all about the potting, with the ability to get the white ball to where you want it all important (positioning), and this month at Lakeside, Frimley Green (yes, home of the darts) the IPA Blackball World Championships take place from the 21st to 26th.
Those new to the game may not be aware that there are various sets of rules played around the Country (and World), with Blackball the version played by not only the most players apparently, but many would say the best players as well. Digging a little deeper I am told that there are (literally) tens of millions of regular pool players across the globe, some messing about with friends, others playing weekly in local leagues, through to the very top amateurs and professional players turning up in Surrey looking for the prize money but more importantly, the kudos of being named World Champion 2014.
Countries represented (unsurprisingly) include England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Ireland, but other dark horses are coming in from France, Malta, Morocco, Ghana, and South Africa – so unlike baseball, this World Championship does involve other Countries! Looking through the main contenders (and there are no odds on shots in this game, it’s so fast and furious that anything can happen), I have come up with a list of six (my opinions only), though don’t be surprised if I don’t even mention the eventual winner, but it does give me someone to cheer on in a vain attempt at being proved correct for once in my life:
Gareth Potts – hot off the table after winning the valuable and prestigious Joy Masters in China, the big question is whether or not he can quickly adapt to the smaller table again here? Fact is, many see him as the most complete pool player to have ever picked up a cue, and at his best he will certainly take some stopping. Sure to be a crowd favourite, he is the most likely winner in my book, though there are plenty of players and fans who would disagree, but then that is what sport is all about – opinions.
Gareth Hibbott – if consistency is the name of the game then another Gareth could be the one to be on this week. He rarely looks pressurised and invariably shows his true form at each and every tournament – which is why he tops the current IPA rankings – one to ignore at your peril!
Christophe Lambert – French superstar Christophe is a well know sportsman over the channel, and will have a legion of followers both on line and in person. His quiet understated style has upset more than a few fancied players recently, and he would be one of the hot favourites if at the top of his game.
Craig Marshall – One of the two “Welsh Wizards” on my list (it must be something in the water?), Craig had a brilliant 2013 season and seems to be enjoying his pool more than ever which may be the key. An amazing character, he is a player you can never rule out at the big tournaments.
Ben Davis – Risking controversy (and making enemies!), Ben is, in my humble opinion, one of the most naturally talented players on the tour – when he is in form he makes the cue ball dance, and I love to watch him play. Possibly an outsider here, if he brings his “A” game he could cause a few upsets – watch this space for details.
Ronan McCarthy – I suspect if you asked who the other players would most like to avoid in the draw, Ronan would be high up on the list. Ultra consistent, ultra shrewd, and ultra talented, he is very very difficult to beat, and seems sure to at least influence the final outcome at some time in the week and can never be discounted.
Lastly, I need to at least mention the doubles tournament, which will be as entertaining as the singles if not more so. The format is what is known as Scotch doubles (each player taking alternate shots), which should prove interesting to put it mildly. With no talking between shots, second guessing what your partners plans are should prove amusing on occasions, and I expect a few laughs and a few glares combined unless telepathy has been perfected and nobody told me?
So, with recorded TV coverage to be shown at a later date on Premier TV (free to view), and free live streaming all week via the website www.ipapool.com, as well as news and comment on the IPA Facebook page, fans who cannot attend can still take an interest, or get the headline news and results via Twitter @ipapool – so no excuses not to get involved!