Young Toowoomba player lines up Queensland debut

Young Toowoomba eight-ball player prepares to play for Queensland.

LINE THEM UP: Toowoomba's Callum Hensler, 8, has been named in the Queensland eight ball team that will compete in Tasmania in January. Picture: Bev Lacey

EIGHT-BALL: The sight of Callum Hensler in a pub or club might surprise some people.

However a "night at the pub” with his dad is nothing unusual for the eight-year-old who spends a lot of time honing his eight-ball skills.

Playing against adults with experience beyond his years, Callum has enjoyed his fair share of wins and loses and is always respected by opponents.

"They always say 'thanks' and shake your hand, even if I've just beaten them,” Callum said.

"Sometimes I get a little nervous but I try not to worry too much.

"I just try to have fun and do my best.”

More recently Callum's dedication and focus paid off with a win in the under-12 division at the 2018 QEBF Junior Eight Ball Championships.

Featuring in the 16-player round robin tournament, Callum once again lined up against older more experienced players, but his skills came to the fore.

"I was one of the youngest players there,” Callum said.

"I shot 92.315 to win and the next kid got 84.62%.

"I was really happy to win.”

Victory at the state competition also came with an added bonus - Callum will now represent Queensland at the Australian championships in January.

Callum will line-up alongside team-mate and state runner-up Jakson Agale in Tasmania.

"It's pretty exciting, I've never been to Tasmania before,” Callum said.

"My whole family will be going with me - I hope I play well.”

Key to his performance against Australia's best young players will be staying focused.

"You have to make sure you line up your shot well,” Callum said.

"You need to play a good first shot but you also have to think about your next one.

"You need to think about where you want the ball to go so you have another good shot or you snooker the other player.”

Originally published as Young Toowoomba player lines up Queensland debut