Pool: Yate's Shaun Hill enjoys run at UK Open Championship

Shaun Hill from Yate, Bristol, was paired with the most successful European player in the sport's history first-up at the Copper Box Arena.

Hill took on German Ralf Souquet in his first match of the knockout tournament, where he lost 9-0. But despite the comprehensive defeat, Hill still described it as a 'career highlight'. 

The competition runs a double-elimination format, meaning Hill was allowed another chance to progress. He beat Spain's Sergio Lagunas 8-6 before following that up with another victory, an 8-6 win over fellow Englishman James Jack. 

His tournament then came to an end when losing to South African Jj Faul 8-4. 

Shaun Hill in action at the Nineball UK Open in London (Image: Shaun Hill)

Hill, who was dealing with a fractured hand heading into the competition, started playing pool in local pub leagues as well as playing through university in Cardiff. He now plays at The Tern in Sodbury to 'keep sharp'.

The UK Nineball Open is an event that anyone can apply to compete in on a first-come, first-serve basis. Hill was determined to have a go at a sport he has always enjoyed and was pleased with his overall performance.

"This was my first time playing in the Open, it was a great experience," he said. 

"I used to play pool in the local pub leagues where I used to live (Berkshire) and then continued to play in national competitions at Cardiff University.

"Highlights definitely include playing Ralf Souquet who is the most successful European player in history, and one of the all-time greats. I lost 9-0 but double elimination means I had a second crack of the whip.

"I won a couple of matches before getting knocked out, I was also playing with a broken hand after injuring it at Dad's vs Dad's football match at Yate Academy two weeks earlier. So I was not too disappointed with my progress as I wasn't sure if I'd be able to play at all."