AustraIian Eight BaII Federation President's Message
On behalf of the Australian Eight-Ball Federation and the Executive Committee, I welcome all
competitors to Chadstone Shopping Centre for the 2005, 15th Junior Australian Eight-Ball
Championships.
Each year I look forward to this event as new young talent rises to Notional recognition. The
Australian Junior Team will be selected and 5 under 18 players will travel to The Junior World Titles
in BlackpoolEnglandin May 2005. This has becomean integral part for the develepment of elite young
players becomingfuture Champions.
In 2004 we acknowledgeyoung Justin Sajich, who after becomingunder 18 Junior Champion, went on
to win the under 21. and also becamethe Australian OpenChampionin November 2004. This is a great
achievement for any sport. and I wonder if it will ever be repeated again.
At these Championshipswe can expect to enjoy enthusiasm and excellent sportsmanship that is always
pleasingto see in junior sports. Who will emerge as our 2005 Australian Champions? Which 5 players
will earn the green blazer to represent Australia. and have the opportunity to play the best In the
World for the title of World Junior Championin the individual and team events?
Young Australians qualifying from these Nationals in the past havedone Australia proud, resulting In:
Mathew Franceschini – W.A. – World Junior Champion1995
BenCrawley – N.T. – World Junior Champion1996
Mark Warry – S.A. – Runner-UpTwice
Australian Team – World Junior Champions1997
– Runners-UpThree times
Congratulations to all competitors on your achievement to represent your State or Territory, In
particular the under 12s,and anyoneabout to experience their first National competition.
Special thanks to your parents. coaches and administrators from around Australia who make great
sacrifice to assist you with your endeavoursto achieve your goals playing the sport of eight-ball.
On a sad note we spare a thought for the family of young Brock Meyer. Brock, in 2004, experienced
the joy of his first Nationals playing in the Under 12s and later in that year, as a result of tragic
accident, he passed away. Brock Meyer will be missed at the 2005 Junior National Titles, but I am
sure that his spirit will be present.
This event is made possible by the contribution of time and devotion by some special people. I take
this opportunity to thank:
- – Our hosts this year led by President DonColbert and the committee of PoolVictoria
- – AEBFJunior DevelopmentOfficer Heather Zappia
- – AEBF major National Sponsors Consolidated Leisure and Sports, suppliers of the Mitchell Cloth and Aramith balls that will be used throughout these titles
- – The Management of Chadstone Shopping Centre giving our sport the opportunity to gain valuable public exposure
- – George Taylor, of Alcock, Thompson & Taylor who have in excess of 150 years in business, manufacturers and providers of these excellent competition tables
To all Junior competitors good luck, along with supporters and officials, please enjoy the 2005
Australian Junior Eight-Ball Championshipsin this great sporting city of Melbourne, Victoria.
JOE FANTO
President World Eight-Ball Pool Federation
President Australian Eight-Ball Federation