A YOUNG pool player is lining up a career in the sport after getting the cue to compete for his country.
Harrison Gutteridge, a student at Trinity Academy, in Thorne, is aiming to turn the hobby he started as an eight-year-old into a professional career.
After playing in a pub league from the age of 14, he was selected to play for South Yorkshire and then trialled successfully for the England team.
Harrison, 15, of Thorne, said: “My dad plays and he used to take me to the Snooker Club in Thorne. I sat on the tables at first, then my dad started teaching me when I was eight.
“His mate said why didn’t I try out for the county. Getting selected for South Yorkshire meant I could trial for England.”
Harrison has more than held his own against men and women in the pub league and came third in the country at the U15 England trials.
“I should have won but I was a bit nervous in the first games, but it was still brilliant to get selected,” he added.
The opportunity means Harrison will get to play overseas for his country this year.
Giving an insight into the game, he said: “It’s not all about potting. You need to be able to control your white ball for the next shot. You’ve got to be thinking two or three shots ahead and I think that’s how I’ve done quite well.”
An admirer of snooker star Ronnie Sullivan, Harrison is hoping to turn professional in a few years’ time and is investing all his spare time in the game, playing in the pub pool league every Wednesday and for South Yorkshire every last Sunday of the month.
Holding his new £400 cue, he added: “I’ve got the best cue which is perfect for me for its length, weight and balance. I’ve got a great coach and I’m ready to work hard, so with all that my dad says I should be able to turn professional when I’m 18.”
David Page, principal of Trinity Academy, said: “Harrison has had the benefit of starting in the sport early, but he obviously has natural talent too coupled with commitment. We are all looking forward to following his career with England and beyond.”