At Spots and Stripes in Redhill, we’re excited to launch our Player Spotlight series, where we’ll feature some of the incredible people who make our community so special. First up, we’re thrilled to introduce Mary Talbot. We had a great chat with her about her journey in cue sports, and it’s full of inspiring insights! Here’s a bit about her story and the interview.
Getting into Cue Sports: A Love for Snooker
Mary’s passion for cue sports started when she was just 13 years old, thanks to her dad, who took her to a local snooker club. She vividly remembers watching legends like Steve Davis, Stephen Hendry, and Jimmy White on TV, which sparked her curiosity and determination to play. “I nagged my dad to take me,” she recalls with a laugh. While it wasn’t seen as a common place for a young girl back then, her persistence paid off, and soon she was hooked on the game.
She played snooker until she was 21 before some life challenges took her away from the sport. However, after a nineteen-year break, the lockdown period reignited her love for the game, and she hasn’t looked back since.
Switching from Snooker to Pool
Despite her strong snooker roots, Mary recently transitioned to the 8-ball pool circuit after some encouragement from friends. She joined the Ultimate Pool Tour this year, and while it’s a different game with faster gameplay, she’s fully embracing the challenge.
Though some snooker players may think pool is easier, Mary quickly dispelled that myth: “Potting is easier, but you have to be more precise with your positioning because of the smaller table and all the balls on it. A tiny mistake can throw off your entire game.” Her snooker experience has given her a solid foundation, but pool requires a whole different approach.
The Ultimate Pool Tour Experience
In just her first year on the Ultimate Pool Tour, Mary has already reached two quarter-finals, a fantastic achievement! She even faced off against Amy Beauchamp, the world number one, narrowly losing in a tight 7-5 and 7-6 match. For someone new to the tour, this is an impressive start.
Looking ahead, Mary has big aspirations. She’s committed to mastering English Eight Ball and is working hard to improve her game. Not only does she want to be a top player, but she’s also set her sights on becoming a world champion.
“If I do something, I have to put 110% into it,” she says, her determination shining through.
Exploring New Challenges with Chinese Eight Ball
At Spots and Stripe*, we’re proud to offer a Chinese 8 Ball table, one of the few places in the area where you can play this exciting variation of the game. Mary has already set her sights on mastering this new challenge too.
“I want to play in as many competitions as I can and really push myself,” she says.
What Drives Mary
Beyond her natural talent, it’s Mary’s mindset and dedication that make her a standout player. While some players take a more laid-back approach, Mary is laser-focused. She spends hours studying professional matches on YouTube, analyzing patterns, and constantly seeking to improve her skills. It’s this drive that makes her such a formidable player.
However, she acknowledges the challenges, particularly the struggle of balancing work, social life, and her passion for pool. Sponsorships can also be difficult to secure, but despite these hurdles, Mary remains fully committed to pursuing her dreams.
Final Thoughts
We’re so proud to have Mary as part of the Spots and Stripes family, and we know she’ll continue to go far in the world of cue sports. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, passion, and love for the game.
As Mary puts it, “This club is just amazing. The people are so friendly, and I feel so comfortable here. What you guys have done is incredible.”
Thank you, Mary, for sharing your story and inspiring us all with your dedication and passion for cue sports. We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next!
Stay tuned for more Player Spotlights from us here at Spots and Stripe*, where we’ll continue to feature the talented individuals who make our community so special.
