Mason has big dreams ahead of his first national tourney

Mason Langford, a 13-year-old dynamo hailing from Kimberley, is poised to make his mark in the world of blackball pool as he prepares for his inaugural appearance at a national championship. Mason's progression from a recreational player to a serious contender underscores his exceptional skill and unwavering commitment to mastering the game.

Mason, a Grade 7 student at Kimberley Junior School, has maintained a steadfast position within the top 10 of his grade for the past four years. However, it's his fervent dedication to blackball pool that distinguishes him. His journey commenced from the comfort of his home, where he first developed an interest in the game while watching pool matches on television.

Inspired by what he saw, Mason eagerly sought to try his hand at the sport. Fortunately, his grandfather possessed a pool table, albeit in need of repair. Once the necessary renovations were completed, Mason wasted no time in refining his skills on his grandfather's restored pool table.

“I grew to love the game more and more, and my skills also improved,” Mason shared with the DFA, recounting his early days of playing with family. After seeing his talent, his mother then introduced him to Rathnam Naidoo, the manager of C-Pac 2 Pool Club. It was there that Langford began competing in league games against adults at just 11 years of age.

Mason’s dedication paid off when he was encouraged to participate in trials for an upcoming national tournament. Competing against older opponents in the trials, he showcased his prowess and secured a spot in the tournament, scheduled to take place from April 17 to 21 at the SunCoast Casino in Durban.

Despite his excitement for the opportunity, Mason admits to feeling nervous about the competition, acknowledging the unknown challenges that lie ahead. However, even with the jittery nerves, his commitment to the sport is unwavering, evident in his rigorous practice schedule, which includes daily sessions at home and playing against other players on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at the club.

Looking to the future, Langford has set ambitious goals for himself. He aims to break into the top 50 of the national tournament and ultimately earn his Griqualand West colours in the sport.

When asked who inspires him as a player, Mason said that his coaches, Rathnam and Royden Naidoo, are the two locals that inspire him to play well. As for the international field, his role models, Shane van Boening and Joshua Filler have been instrumental in boosting Mason’s ambition to emulate their success.

Van Boening, an American professional pool player, boasts an impressive array of titles, including the WPA World Nine-Ball Championship and the US Open Nine-Ball Championship.

An escape from Shane van Boening that was so good even his opponent was shocked 😳

📹 @PBilliardSeries pic.twitter.com/eD8th6NSDt

— Absolute Pool (@AbsolutePoolcom) February 28, 2024

Similarly, Filler, a German professional, has made waves in the pool world, clinching victories in prestigious events such as the WPA World Nine-Ball Championship and the 10-ball European Pool Championships.

Mason’s aspiration to follow in their footsteps speaks volumes about his determination to excel in the sport.

In addition to his playing aspirations, Mason has also distinguished himself as the youngest certified blackball referee in the Northern Cape. Alongside his mother, he passed the necessary exams, a testament to his multifaceted involvement in the pool community.

However, Mason’s journey to the national competition comes with the usual financial hurdles. The C-Pac 2 Club is seeking support from the community to assist players with the costs of travel, accommodation, and other expenses associated with the tournament.

As it stands, each player needs to raise R13,900 for the tournament. Those interested in contributing can contact Rathnam Naidoo at 064 977 0988.

After concluding the interview, DFA sports reporter Danie van der Lith couldn’t resist the temptation to put the young player’s skills to the test, challenging Mason to a game or two.

In this friendly match, it was evident that Mason’s prowess on the pool table surpassed expectations. Van der Lith, despite putting up a valiant effort, found himself on the losing end of both matches they played.

Amidst laughter and good-natured banter, Van der Lith jokingly cried foul, attributing his defeat to the supposed homeground disadvantage. But in the end, Mason’s undeniable talent left a lasting impression, further solidifying his status as a rising star in the world of blackball pool.

As Mason Langford prepares to represent Kimberley on the national stage, his story serves as an inspiration to aspiring young players everywhere, showcasing the power of passion, dedication, and community support in pursuing one’s dreams in the world of sports.