PLAYER’S MAJOR DEBUT
Pool shark takes on world’s best
POOL: Toowoomba player Nathan Appleton has finished 15th in the world at the EBA Nations Cup in Malta last week.
About 900 players competed in teams from around the world.
It was Appleton’s international debut for Australia and he was extremely pleased with his result.
When you get your chance walking up to the table you have to make the most of it... — Nathan Appleton
He said it was an absolutely amazing yet eye-opening experience.
“It’s just another two steps up a level compared to Queensland pool,” he said.
“The standard was so high if you missed one shot that’s your last shot at the table.
“When you get your chance walking up to the table you have to make the most of it because it could be your last visit.”
Appleton definitely made the most of his time in Malta and won his first singles game 5-0.
In his next game he faced a top English player who had won the singles tournament for the past couple of years.
“He got me 5-0 but I got two shots the whole game. He potted out three times off his break,” Appleton said.
He said this just showed the standard he was up against.
Not only was it his first time playing in a major international tournament it was also his first time playing the new eight ball rules.
“I was probably a couple of shots behind some of the top elite athletes,” he said.
Appleton is already planning on coming back better and stronger next year.
“More table time and learning the rules a bit more will help,” he said.