BARNSLEY man Elliott Sanderson is hoping to win the World Pool Championships which start early next week.
The 30-year-old former civil servant from Stairfoot flew out last weekend to Saudi Arabia where the event will take place from July 21-26.
There is $1,000,000 prize fund to be split between the 128 players with the winner taking three quarters of it.
Elliott told the Chronicle: “I’m really looking forward to it and excited.
“I got to the last 32 last year. I was 10-8 up and never got another shot because it’s ‘winner breaks’. I broke at 10-8 and never came back to the table.
“I hope to go all the way this time.
“I always look to win.
“I will need many variables to go my way to make that happen. But I will give myself the best chance to win.”
Elliott is hoping to build on some recent sporting success for his home town.
“What Callum Simpson (European champion boxer) has done for the town has been remarkable. We’re a small mining town with not many opportunities.
“If I can win the World Championships, that might inspire someone else.
“Anything is possible if you dedicate your life to it.
“I am very proud to be from Barnsley.
“I grew up with a great family in a working class environment.
“I am a massive Barnsley FC fan.
“It hasn’t been that pleasant in the last few years but I hope Conor Hourihane does well.”
Elliott has been playing the sport for nearly two decades and turned professional in 2022, moving up to Glasgow as part of that arrangement.
“I started at about 12 recreationally at Corner Pocket in Hoyle Mill. Then there was a pool club in town called Miscues.
“I started to play there.
“They brought the South Yorkshire County pool team there and I joined them aged 14. I played English pool until about 16 or 17 then moved to American pool. My hobby has now turned into a job which is a bit crazy.”
Elliott’s nickname is ‘The Shouter’ due to his emotional demeanour while playing. He said: “I was a bigger personality when I first came onto the scene. I am an emotional character in general.
“When I win a tough match, I let a little shout out every now and then.”
