PORTLAND pool player Chase Daley has returned from a week-long tournament representing Australia at the World Blackball Championships in Morocco.

It was a solid performance from Daley who was coming up against some of the best competitors from across 22 different countries.

The week-long tournament was Daley’s fourth time at a World Championship event.

Despite getting off to a strong start the cutthroat nature of the tournament meant Daley had to work to keep his form in both the singles and doubles competitions.

“I had a convincing win in my first match of singles, six to one, but then I fell short in my next match five to six,” he said.

“In the teams event it was hard to get going, unfortunately when we started finding form it was at the wrong end of the tournament.

“I can't remember how many times I didn't get shot but I also managed to do that to a couple of players. That's the standard you're up against at these events so it's expected.”

There was plenty of representatives who hit the tables in Morocco in different divisions with some success in the form of medals.

“Australia walked away with a few medals, a gold in the masters doubles and a few silvers and bronze.”

Not only did Daley compete, but he was also asked to referee some of the games which he said is a fantastic opportunity and one he will use moving forward.

“Playing definitely was my best this year but to be able to referee at world level has opened the gates for bigger opportunities,” he said.

“Nineball in Vegas sounds pretty good… As an international referee for blackball I was asked to assist which I am always keen no matter the level of playing.”

After some years of restricted travel Daley was excited at the opportunity to head to Morocco but said his main focus was the tournament.

“With playing and refereeing it was hard to go and explore,” he said.

“Morocco has some strange hours. Basically, Maccas doesn’t open till nine for coffee and eleven for meals. But closes at five am – it was the same with most shops.”

After returning home Daley has his sights set on his next big tournament, the Australian nationals in March 2023, and will take part in some other competitions in the lead up to keep his eye in.

“The next big step for me is the Australian nationals which will be in Geelong at the Slate pool hall,” he said.

“We also have a few weekend comps including Bendigo this weekend, Mount Gambier a couple weeks later and our Portland local finals which got underway this week.”