CAM sponsored Richard Gifford Heads to the 2nd weekend of the Ultimate Pool Challenger Series
“You’ve got to beat the best if you’re going to be the best” are the words of CAM sponsored Richard Gifford as he looks ahead to the second weekend of the Ultimate Pool Challenger Series at The Hilton Metropole in Birmingham.
Gifford calmly explains he has landed “a couple of tough draws” but his game plan is clear. “Play the balls, not the player.”
Drawing on his impressive 9th out of 256 competing at the European Championship earlier in the year, Gifford is still feeling positive. “With the help of my world ranking Welsh teammate Tom Cousins, 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.”
It’s a strategy that worked well for Gifford in his opening weekend of the Ultimate Pool Challenger Series where he finished in the last 32.
“I won my first match 6-1, my second 6-2, then a hard-fought 6-5 win in the last 64 but I eventually ran out of steam in the last 32 losing 6-0. It probably didn’t help I found a tiny split on my main cue ferrule! But overall I was happy. It was a good start to the year.”
Giffords’ preparations for Challenger events 3 and 4 in Birmingham have been two-fold. A joiner by day, Gifford has personally rebuilt his own cue and has since been “getting to know how it behaves.” This time was also spent on regular practice matches with fellow Welsh team players; time he also credits CAM for.
“Thanks to CAM’s backing I am able to invest my time in my development as a pool player. I am able to spend more time on the practice table and working on situational play.”
Ranked 16th for the 2022 World Championship, Giffords ultimate goal for the Ultimate Pool Challenger season remains the same. “Finish in the top 16 of the 288 amateurs competing and earn promotion to the 2023 professional ranks!”
Watch the Ultimate Pool Challenger Series in person at the Hilton Metropole, Birmingham on Friday 15th to Monday 18th April 2022.
Or catch the extensive live television coverage on FreeSports TV.
Track Gifford’s draws and scores