Top Inverclyde pool team heads off to European Championships this week
A TOP team of local pool players are hoping to get their big break when they take part in the European Pool Championships this week.
Jim Wilson and six of his friends who play at the Bullseye Sports Bar in Greenock are heading off to St Paul's Bay in Malta for the major competition.
The group, which is comprised of players from Greenock and Port Glasgow, will joined by two players from Dunoon to take on the best pool players from all over Europe.
They will face off against tough opposition from countries like France, Belgium and Cyprus.
(Image: Public)Jim said: "There are seven from the Bullseye Club and two from Dunoon.
"I qualified after winning the SEPF (Scottish Eightball Pool Federation) and a couple of the boys have won regional tours.
"We are all representing Scotland on different teams."
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The tournament runs between February 7 and 15 and the lads are flying out today.
Scott Docherty, John Cunningham, Jim Wilson, Jamie Green, Dave McSorley, Jamie Wilson, Hadge McKinnon and Gerry Grant are taking part.
The two players from Dunoon are Rachel Bowie and Stuart Macintyre.
Jim says taking part in the tournament is a great achievement and that the group are the biggest team local team ever to go to the championships.
He said: "It is massive, it's second only to the World Championships in Killarney in August.
"Everyone who qualified for the European Championships is eligible to play both, it just depends if you are chosen for the team."
The team are excited about the trip and looking forward to meeting players from all over the world.
Jim told the Telegraph: "We're buzzing, it is the only time that we are all going to be at such a big tournament at the one time.
"We all play in the league but it's unusual to have so many people going from the one club."
Jim, who has been playing for 25 years, enjoys the game and says he likes spending time playing with his pals.
He said: "Two of the boys are competing in the over 50s and 60s, this is their first tournament at European level.
"All the teams are quite strong, they're from England, Ireland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Belgian and France."
Some of the games will be streamed by the Bullseye Sports Bar on their own YouTube channel.
The team are also planning to use their free time to enjoy themselves while they're out in Malta and will be joined by fellow club member John Cunningham who is making the trip out to support them.
