Local lad George Hill has qualified to represent the state at the U18 Australian Eight Ball Title in January, one of only four members of the Queensland U18 team.
Eight ball, sometimes called stripes and solids or pocket billiards, is the most common game of pool played today with the name referencing how many balls need to be pocketed to win.
The 16-year-old has been playing eight ball for just over two years and competes alongside his dad Colin in a weekly doubles competition in Bundaberg.
George said he first got into the sport after buying a kids’ pool table at a local market.
“I had a little toy table and I really enjoyed playing on that so I thought it would be more fun to play on the real thing,” George said.
“[I enjoy] the precision it takes to be able to sink all the balls.”
His dad then bought him a dilapidated table and together they replaced the cloth and improved its usability for George to practice.
George’s skills went from strength to strength as he went on to play in the Bundaberg U15s competition where he was placed fifth and then represented Central Queensland against South East Queensland.
He was also lucky enough to get a home visit from two-time and current Queensland Eight Ball Champion Andy Barnett in July last year
After trying out for Queensland’s U18 team, he was thrilled to make the team and said he looked forward to travelling to Canberra next year to compete.
“It’s very flattering,” he said.
“I’m very proud to be representing Queensland, it will be a fun experience.”
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