A talented young billiards player from Swindon is aiming to claim victory as he has been selected to represent England in the Home Internationals.
Riley Ellis, who was first selected to represent England in 2022 when aged just 18, has been selected for his country for the fourth time in his fledgling career.
Having been picked for the England B Team in the team championship last year, Ellis will be returning to the event this year hoping to help the team go further than their previous semi-final appearances.
He said: “Being asked to represent your country in any sport is something most people can only dream of so to me I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to wear the England badge on my chest.
“In previous years during the home internationals, we have reached the semi-finals twice. This year I look to show everyone just how talented the new generation of billiards players can be and I hope to equal or better the team’s previous results over the years.
“During my time playing billiards at the international level, I’ve found the atmosphere to be second to none. You will not find a nicer and more welcoming community anywhere.
“That joined with playing at some of the most prestigious venues around England and other countries against the best players in the world really puts into perspective just how much dedication can help you achieve huge things.”
Alongside his achievements in billiards, Ellis has also had a strong start to the year in his other sport, snooker.
The Clyffe Pypard-based player will play in his first televised event this April when he plays in The Snooker Legends 900 in Reading – the first fully televised event for amateur players.
Ellis said: “This year has started off very well for me in snooker too with achieving my first tournament century break of 112 at Frames Sports Bar in Coulsdon, on their professional match table.
“I have also been invited to play in my first televised event the first week of April where I will be competing in the Legends 900s in Reading against the best amateurs and ex-pros in the country, and that is going to be a very exciting experience for me.
“I am also ranked third in the Cuestars under-21 gold tour after previously winning the bronze and silver titles over the years and fourth in the Cuestars championship tour.”
