The one called the “Golden Boy” claimed in August another WPA Heyball World Championship. The second one. Back-to-back.
Last year, just after he won his first WPA World Championship, we asked Gareth Potts his plans for the coming years. This was a question one might have knowing he had now claimed every single title in his sport. His answer: “What motivates me is winning trophies and winning tournaments. And I’m still as hungry and as motivated as ever.”
Gareth Potts has now claimed 6 World titles in Heyball, also known as Chinese Pool. In 2009, after winning 4 World titles in English Eightball, he decided to move to Chinese pool. He claimed 3 World Chinese Eightball Masters titles between 2013 and 2017.
With this billiard sport now developing outside of China, more and more athletes from all over the world are joining the game. This is why this year was already the 3rd edition of the WPA Heyball World Championship, in Pune, India, with 128 athletes, men and women, from 40 different countries.
Even though Gareth was defeated in the early rounds by German player Tobias Bongers, he successfully won 7-5 against João Grilo (Portugal) in the quarters, 7-5 against Anderson David (South Africa) in the semis, to finally claim the final 7-4 against Jordan Shepherd (Great Britain).
Brand ambassador of our Strachan Cloth, we are so impressed by this athlete who keeps building his legacy and the legacy of all the billiard sports he competes in.
Gareth Potts: “Obviously to win another World title at Heyball is very special but to win it back-to-back like I did at English Eightball almost 20 years ago is something that I am very proud of. I felt I got stronger as the event went on and I think I played my best match in the final which, as a player, is something that is important and rewarding to perform in the biggest matches. I have won a very high percentage of major finals that I’ve been in so it’s pretty cool to keep that run going. Cuesports in India is very big, way bigger than I realised to be honest so to win there was also great. As for the future, I have some much-needed time off to spend with my family then it’s back to the practice table. I am always trying to find new ways to improve, to take my game to new levels and to evolve with the times. The same as always: just try to win as many tournaments as possible.”
About Strachan Chinese pool cloth
Strachan cloth is manufactured in Stroud in the West of England since 1890. It is widely recognised as the leading brand for snooker and pool in China and around the globe.
Chinese pool has become the main billiard sport in China combining the precision and tactical skill of snooker with the explosiveness and vibrancy of pool.
Strachan cloth offers the perfect playing experience with the precision, control, speed and durability needed in Chinese pool.
About Aramith Chinese pool balls
Aramith billiard balls are manufactured in Callenelle in Belgium and mastered through a century of fine Belgian craftsmanship. They are recognized as the World’s standard by sports organisations and players.
Chinese pool uses the same billiard balls (57.2mm) as American pool balls. Aramith offer a wide variety from the Aramith Tournament sets, the Super Aramith Pro sets to the Aramith Premium ball sets.
Combined with the Strachan Cloth, Chinese pool players have with the Aramith ball sets the ultimate equipment for the most accurate play.
For more information about Aramith balls, visit https://aramith.com/
For more information about Strachan cloths, visit our Products section.
