Pool players Senzo Gumede and Sharik Naidoo have done the region proud – and filled their pockets while doing so.
Both are members of the South Coast Blackball Pool Association of which Ivan Naidoo is chairman.
Sharik Naidoo, from Port Shepstone, won the Hotshots R13.5k Pool Comp, in Tongaat recently.
“He was up against some 240 class competitors and displayed outstanding skill and mental strength,” said Ivan.
Sharik is a current U23 Protea player, having represented South Africa at the recent European Blackball Championships in England this year, ranked 10th.
“He’s an aggressive player and doesn’t hold back when he has chance to close,” said Ivan.
“He’s accurate in his cueing and his game is improving. Undoubtedly, Sharik is one of the brightest prospects coming out of Port Shepstone. He’s consistent and relishes any challenge.”
Senzo, meanwhile, is the current world blackball champion (having won the world champs in Morocco earlier this year) and he showed why with a victory in a high pressure, winner-takes-all challenge match for R50 000 against Castello Naidoo (current KZN Best of the Best champion).
The format was best of three sets (Race to 11). This was also hosted by Hotshots in Tongaat.
“He has become one of the most dangerous and feared finishers in South African pool, yet he is a very humble man. Despite his abundant talent, he still practices often. He is very strong all round and getting stronger. He is the next best thing,” said Ivan.
The two players have been celebrated by local players.
“It’s a double for Port Shepstone, that’s quite something. Congratulations to both players – too strong, well played,” said Ivan.
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