Young Ethan takes on international pool tournament
Ethan’s dad, Pat Chetty, was very unhappy when he first found out about his child’s passion for pool because he believed it was a bar sport that was played in places where people smoked and drank.
Talented pool champion, Ethan Chetty, started playing pool at the tender age of eleven. His love for the game developed when he used to play pool at a local game shop with his friend after school.
“I didn’t know what the game was or how to play it, but eventually I began to learn and enjoy it very much. I wanted to play everyday,” he said enthusiastically.
Ethan’s dad, Pat Chetty, was very unhappy when he first found out about his child’s passion for pool because he believed it was a bar sport that was played in places where people smoked and drank.
“I used to run after him and chase him from the shop. He would evade me and play at the shopping centre. We later realised that he loved the game very much so we registered him in a junior league at the Aces and Eights club. His mentor, Sagie Jico Naidoo, saw his potential and took Ethan under his wing,” proudly said Chetty.
In December last year, Ethan was one of nine boys, who were chosen to represent KwaZulu-Natal at a national tournament, that was held in Wynberg in Cape Town. He showed great talent and skill and was crowned the national championship junior.
“Prior to him playing in Cape Town, he took part in a car competition that was held in Galleria Mall where he was playing against adults. It was the first time that a junior came in the final and stood a chance at winning the car,” added the proud father.
During his final match, the crowd was screaming and cheering him on. Ethan was feeding off the crowd’s energy and he too got excited- so much so that he missed the pocket shot. “I felt so angry and disappointed at myself for missing that shot,” recalled Ethan.
Since it was the first time in history that a junior played in the finals, the tournament organisers were so impressed with him that they invited him to participate in the World Chinese Pool Masters grand finals tournament in China. This is one of the biggest pool tournaments in the world with over 52 countries competing for a chance to win a R5 million cash prize.
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The world’s best players participated in the tournament. Although it was a tough challenge, Ethan remained focused and had his eye on the prize. The tournament was a Chinese 8-ball challenge and although it was Ethan’s first time playing at this level, he did exceptionally well. He played five matches in total and won three against high rank players.
Unfortunately, he lost in the pre-qualifier. Ethan had been playing Chinese 8-ball for only five months and playing at an international level was an amazing feat. The crowd was very impressed with his skills. Ethan was spotted by a top Vietnamese player, who saw his talent and gave him words of encouragement.
“We want to thank all the sponsors, who made it possible for Ethan and the other boys to play in Cape Town. I also want parents to change their mentality regarding pool. It is not a bar sport, it’s a recognised professional sport internationally and children can make a career out of this if they wish, but school comes first,” advised Chetty.
He also encouraged parents to enroll their children in clubs such as Aces and Eights where their talents will be nurtured and enhanced.
Ethan will take on more competitions this year and is looking for people or businesses to sponsor him. For more information, contact Pat Chetty on 065-930-5633. You can also follow Ethan Chetty or Sagie Jico Naidoo on Facebook to view pictures of the tournament.
