Young snooker player hopes to compete at world championships

Marc Fridman, 15, has notched up several state snooker wins and is now eyeing the world championships.

HE was just 11 years old when his dad introduced him to the world of billiards and snooker.

Four years on and Marc Fridman wouldn’t dream of bidding farewell to the sport, which saw him represent Australia in March in the trans-Tasman clash against New Zealand.

The Aspendale Gardens teen boasts several state title wins and is a regular feature at the Cheltenham Billiards and Snooker Club where he trains and competes.

And this year the 15 year-old has his eyes set on taking the game even further with hopes to compete at the u18 and u21 world championships.

“I’m going to keep going for the rest of my life,” Marc said.

“If I become good enough at it, hopefully it’ll become my career.”

Dad Tony, who has been in the game for more than three decades, has coached Marc throughout his impressive junior career.

The Cheltenham Secondary College student trains for hours on end — on top of completing his homework and working part-time — with his efforts earning him the 2016 ‘Outstanding Maccabi Junior Sportsman’ accolade.

Mr Fridman said Marc loved the sport so much he would wake his dad about 8am on a Sunday to practise.

“It’s just a good game, it’s difficult and something you need to really dedicate your time to it to become good,” Marc said.

“It’s very individual and not many people play or know about it, so it’s also pretty special.”

Marc Fridman is this week’s Mordialloc Chelsea Leader Junior Sports Star nominee.

Leader Local Sports Stars medallists will be named in seven categories including juniors, teams, individuals, and encouragement.

The program is now a national celebration, and junior category winners will be judged for national awards.

Cash prizes as well as vouchers from our sponsor, Sportsmart, are up for grabs.

For full details and to nominate an athlete, go to localsportsstars.com.au