Local pool player, Shai Hardwick, played the 2018 World Snooker Champion, Mark Williams at the Oaklands sports bar in Cinderford on Saturday, July 7th.

Shai told the Ross Gazette: “First of all I would like to thank Oaklands for asking me and giving me the chance to put on an exhibition with Mark Williams. I felt honoured to do this. It’s nice to be asked and it’s nice to know that people do think about me!

“Anyone who knows me or knows of me, pool 100% my game. I travel everywhere around the country playing the game and entering the biggest tournaments. I also play a lot of challenge matches for money.”

Shai added: “I practice hard at pool and not snooker. I never play snooker and it is a totally different game. But when a chance like this comes along to play the reigning World Snooker Champion, you just can’t turn that down.

“I felt like I did well, considering I don’t play snooker. But Mark Williams is a top gentleman and he definitely showed me a few things.”

“The conditions were so hot and muggy inside Oaklands due to a lot of spectators and the warm weather, so it was very uncomfortable for myself and Mark. However, we just got on with it and it was struggle I must say - though I shouldn’t complain about the weather!”

Shai will be back in action on Saturday, August 11th in a pool challenge match, playing for £4,000. This match will be held at the Golf Inn in Ross-on-Wye at 7.30pm.

Shai would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support, as always.