A teenage Swindon pool player has flown the flag for Wiltshire this past weekend at the Blackball Pool Federation finals.
Jaydon Elliott, 14, who is in Year 9 at Lawn Manor Academy, has been playing pool since he was six and has now advanced to playing on this national level. His success has been supported by his sponsors, indoor snooker and pool club 147 Sport, based on Station Business Estate in Swindon town centre.
The English Blackball Pool Federation competition that was held at Pontins, Brean Sands, Somerset saw players at all ages and levels come together from across the UK to battle it out for the top titles. Jaydon played in the Youth (under-18s) singles, as well the Youth teams rounds, where he was the one of the youngest players.
Jaydon’s mum, Julia Burder, said: “Jaydon has done really well to get to the finals and he puts in a lot of time and effort on the table. He regularly competes in the competitions at our local club and plays against many of the adult players there, which I think has really helped him. I play competitively for Wiltshire too and in our local league he’s already in a higher division than me!
“He’s previously reached the finals in the Cuestars snooker competition as well as reaching the national championships playing for Warwickshire in World Rules pool. He really gets a buzz from it and I’d like to think he’ll go as far as he can in the future.”
Jaydon added: “I loved playing at the EBPF finals. I enjoyed the singles the best because I got to play against players I haven’t played before, some of which play for England.
“I like playing pool because it’s something I’m good at and I would love to one day play for England myself.”
Sandra Muir, headteacher at Lawn Manor Academy, which is part of the Royal Wootton Bassett Academy Trust, said: “Jaydon should be very proud of himself for reaching the finals of the English Blackball Pool Federation competition. The time and dedication that he has put into developing his skills to this level, and to have played in a national competition is a very impressive achievement. We look forward to following his continued success in pool and snooker.”
