North West’s best pool players compete in blackball tournament

A pool tournament with $1000 of prize money up for grabs was held in Boodarie on Saturday, as part of an open day by the WA North Blackball Association, a new take on the classic game of pool. Blackball is a more attacking version of pool, with smaller tables creating quicker matches that more closely resemble eight-ball pub rules rather than that of professional snooker. 20 players competed on Saturday, some hailing from Karratha and Geraldton, for a first-to-five wins elimination tournament. Geraldton’s Margie Davis who previously represented West Australia’s women’s team made it to the grand final against Brad Firth. Firth came out on top five games to three to take home the $500 first place cash prize. Competitors were in good company as Australian representative Stone Stenhouse was in attendance, who played pool professionally for his country in the United Kingdom and Cyprus. Event organiser Nathan Robinson said he wanted to build a strong team to represent the North West in State competitions. “We’ve got a good idea of top players from Derby, Karratha and Hedland and we all have to trial to see who the best team is,” he said. “We’re hoping to get a women’s team because there are very good female players in Karratha and Hedland. We also want to create an over 50’s team, under 14s and under 18s. “The main thing with WA North Blackball is from Karratha and up, we can take players to the nationals without having to trial in Perth.” Robinson said blackball was the next step for pool. “Blackball is the future, it’s a different game and this is where the game is going to go,” he said. “It’s a passion of mine and a way to give back to the community.” The association is expected to host another competitive event in December with a larger prize pool and more participants.