CAM backed Pool Player Richard Gifford Makes it to Final 16 at European 8 Ball Championships

Thrilled to be back on the competitive baize, CAM-backed Richard Gifford this month entered the European 8 Ball Championships in Killarney, Ireland ranked 16th for the 2022 World Championships.

A full week of pool ahead of him entering the Men’s singles and representing Wales in their A team, Gifford had everything to play for in his much awaited return to competitive international 8 ball pool.

Sponsored by CAM Systems for the 2022 season, the investment has enabled Gifford to concentrate on his development as a pool player, spending more time on the practice table working on situational play and cue skills.

Straight into round 2 thanks to a bye, Gifford was initially feeling the nerves against Irish competitor Pat O'Leary. 2-0 down, Gifford went on to pull off a clearance and then never looked back; confidently winning the round 2-6.

Through to the last 64, Gifford described his next round against Northern Irish John Kerr as a “cagey affair from the start.”

“From the breaks the balls were rubbish and tied up. It was all tactics and neither Kerr or I could get into a flow. The last frame took 30 minutes to complete!”

The 6-4 victory was finally Gifford’s when he successfully screwed back the white the length of the table, to land the cue ball perfectly; setting himself up to finish on the last ball.

The next round, the last 32, was a convincing win against Scottish Gary Chater, scoring 6-0. Moving Gifford onto the last 16 and a difficult draw.

Dejan Grech of Malta, was the hot favourite for the European Championship and his performance put Gifford through his paces.

“I was 3-1 up. I had a very tough black, to go 4-1 up. But I rattled it and Grech cleared up to take the frame. Followed by the next 2 frames straight from the break.”

Gifford only then returned to the table, 4-3 down and the balls just didn’t play in his favour. Grech went on to win the match 6-4 and later the tournament, taking the title European Men’s Singles Champion. Overall Gifford finished an impressive 9th out of 256 competing in the European Championship.

But the 2022 pool season is only just starting for Gifford and it’s CAM’s sponsorship that’s making it possible as Gifford explains.

“The Ultimate Pool Challenger Series kicks off in March and later in the year there’s the WEPF World Championships in Ireland. It’s thanks to CAM’s sponsorship it’s been possible for me to continue playing at this high level.”

Now winding up the practice play for the Ultimate Pool Challenger Series, Gifford is sounding and feeling more confident.

“Coming away from the Europeans I’m feeling more positive. At the Euros I spent some practice sessions with former World champion and Welsh team mate, Tom Cousins. With his help, I’ve come to realise I play better when I put myself out there. Be willing to miss. Be bold, have faith and take the risk.”

Catch more from Gifford in the Ultimate Pool ‘Challenger Series’, as it kicks off on Friday 4th of March in Blackpool, with TV coverage on FreeSports.