WORLDPOOL OO
AUSSIES SEND STRONG SQUAD TO REGAIN TEAM TITLE
Rarely does any Australian team go 15 years in their chosen sport between world titles (writes Joe Fanto).
And that’s why this year’s Aussie men’s pool team travelling to Blackpool for the WEPF World Championships is determined to show its true colours.
The men in green and gold are looking to repeat the feat of our 1996 world championship winning team.
Since then the trophy has always eluded them despite a couple of near misses.
Tough competition, in particular from England, has had a lot to do with it.
However, due to the excessive costs to each individual that makes an Australian side each year, it is rare for us to send our best team.
Indeed, it costs each player approximately $4,000 - $4,500 AUS (£2,500 - £3,000) to represent their country at a World Championship in England.
However, in Surfers Paradise, Australia 2004 we did become World Cup winners, defeating England in the final. Sadly, this was the only time the event was held.
In 2011, however, the first eight selected players have committed to travel, hence all 8- Ball followers in Australia are expecting big things from their men’s team in Blackpool.
That team then is: Brenton Collier (2010 Australian Champion), Ron Kelly, Ben Nunan, Stev Woods, Paul Hancock, Jake McCartney, Justin Sajich and Marc Robertson. Marc, brother of reigning world snooker champion, Neil Robertson, is captain of a teammanaged byWarren Ross.
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The Australian women’s side, winners in 2007, will be represented by:Renata Delahunty (captain), Lauren Jelly, Nicole Fielding, Julie McEwan, Tania McClure and Kolbe Poole. The team manager is Cheryl Congram.
Unfortunately two of our top three selected players are not able to travel: 2010 Australian champion and World Championship semi- finalist, Elise Mabbott, and 2009 Australian title winner, Marg Gorski.
However, it is still a strong teamand expected do very well.
The Australian Junior Team were semi- finalists last year and expect to go one better by making the final in 2011 to give themselves a chance for a second world title. Their one and only World victory came in 1997.
The Australian Junior team is: Luke Foster (2011 Australian champion and captain), Jason Hawker, Dane Van Kempen, Mathew Gartrell, Luke Anglessey and Nick Young. The team manager is Shane Congdon.
The Australian Over 50’s teamrate themselves a good chance for their second title, but unfortunately John Lehman, 2010 world champion will not be able to travel. The over 50’s team will be Terry Bond (captain), Shaun Baker and John Howson.
Eight ball Pool in Australia is enjoying great success and the game played using WEPF World Rules is by far the largest participated cue sport in the country.
The World Championships are held in high esteem. And all elite players aspire to wear the National green jacket and Australian vest to pit their skills and represent their country, regardless of the financial sacrifice required.
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