‘Killer Laaitie’ scoops two national titles
The 17-year-old Fairvale Secondary School learner represented KZN in the South African Blackball Nationals U18 and U23 categories.
EARNING the nickname ‘Killer Laaitie’ for his exceptional skills, Ethan Chetty, 17, has made his mark in the cue sporting world after he was named the U18 and U23 pool champion for South Africa.
The Fairvale Secondary School learner has been bagging trophies and titles since he entered as a junior in competitive cue sport and represented KZN in the South African Blackball Nationals U18 and U23 categories of the championship held in Gold Reef City in Johannesburg recently.
The Grade 12 lad, who resides in Silverglen in Chatsworth, plays competitive cue sports at Friendly 8 Pool Academy in Silverglen, and said he hopes to steer the mindsets of parents to accepting cue sport as a recognised sport.
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I began playing pool after school with my friend at a game shop in my community and when my dad found me there, he would be upset. He believed that playing pool would expose me to alcohol and cigarettes, as pool tables are mostly found in pubs and bars and as a parent he was very concerned.
“After realising that I had potential and passion for the sport, he registered me in a junior league and I grew as a cue sportsman under the mentorship of Sagie Jico Naidoo from Aces and Eights Club,” Ethan said.
The talented teenager has played in various tournaments and championships in South Africa and has travelled to different countries, including China and Morocco. He has won the U18 national championships three years consecutively and is proud to represent the country in the upcoming championships.
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“I hope that my achievements inspire youngsters to try their hand at cue sport and helps parents to promote the sport among their children. Cue sport is a recognised sport internationally and if one is highly skilled, they can make it a career,” Ethan added.
Ethan’s dad, Pat Chetty, said the family thanks sponsors who made it possible for Ethan to play in tournaments and championships across the country and around the world.
To sponsor Ethan’s next tournament, contact Pat Chetty on 065 930 5633.0
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