Right on cue, former world billiards champion Chris Shutt prepares to compete for his old title.
Chris Shutt in the World Billiards Championships
CAR salesman Chris Shutt is getting revved up for action as he fights to regain his billiards world championship title. The 29-year-old is taking part in the World Billiards Championships which started yesterday (Wednesday) with the very best players from around the globe.
Chris, who works in Northallerton, took up the sport when he broke his leg playing football as a child. He soon discovered a natural ability for the game and after winning a host of junior trophies turned professional at 18 and soon gained a series of major titles. In 2000 he became World Open Champion and in 2005 was World Professional Champion. He has just claimed the European Open Series. In his time he has played all over the world including India, Australia, New Zealand and Europe.
But for the past two and a half years he has worked as a car salesman for Sherwoods, which has Vauxhall dealerships in Northallerton, Darlington and Stockton. “Billiards is a tough way to earn a living as a professional as the sport doesn’t enjoy the profile and sponsorship it once did,” said Chris, of Middlesbrough, whose highest break is a staggering 889.
“Now by day I am a car salesman in Northallerton. But when there is a competition I am a billiard player and former world champion.”
The contest this week, staged in Leeds until July 22, is again pitting him against the world’s best including Indian Geet Sethi. Sherwoods managing director Alasdair MacConachie said: “There is something special about having a former world champion on your staff and we all wish him well for the competition.”
