Germiston’s Lottering aims for the pocket
She started playing in 1996 and again took the sport more seriously in 2003. It took her three years to reach the provincial women's B-side.
The 2019 World Masters Singles champion of the World Eightball Pool Championships in Blackpool, England, is a beacon of hope for local pool players.
Gerda Lottering from Germiston and Eastern Pool treasurer and pool player has dominated many pool tables.
She started playing in 1996 and again took the sport more seriously in 2003. It took her three years to reach the provincial women’s B-side.
ALSO READ: Truck driver trapped after truck rolls over
“In 2006 I played my first nationals and the match lasted for over 45 minutes. I was nervous, as it was my first,” Lottering said.
In 2016 she travelled to England to compete in international competitions.
“I have played in England twice. In 2016 and 2012 I made it to the quarter finals of the Nationals.
“In 2016 I finished seventh. I was two (frames) spots away from being selected for the dream team. It does not get better than that.”
Lottering also said when she retires she would love to become an official pool coach and help develop young talent.
“Playing pool involves a lot of elements. It includes your mental wellness and discipline. The key is to start mentoring someone from a younger age.
“They have to learn that when you play you don’t get to play the player, but you play the game. Sometimes when I play in the nationals, I do not look at my opponent,” said Lottering.
“The secret is it’s easy to get nervous and make silly mistakes when you focus on the player you are up against. Manipulating the white ball to your advantage is also key. White-ball control is necessary and needs patience.”
Lottering is also an official referee.
Her accolades include reaching the women’s A division top performer in 2016, World Championship team quarter-finals )where she finished seventh overall in 2016), 10th position at the World Championships in 2017 and she has played nationals since 2006.
Contact the newsroom by emailing:
Marietta Lombard (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, or (Journalists) Busi Vilakazi busiv@caxton.co.za
