County champ sets sights on England

The event, which was held in Brighton, was 39-year-old Chatfield’s first tournament victory since taking up the sport in a more serious capacity in March of this year.

The Hastings-based player, who practises at Riley’s in the town centre, overcame Ireland team member Stacey Hancock 6-5 in the final of the eight-ball tournament. Hancock, incidentally, lost in the final of the 2012 Champions of Champions National Finals.

Chatfield believes that the win has given her the confidence to develop her game even further next year following a dramatic end to her debut season.

“I thought I’d been improving since March, but I certainly didn’t expect to win it,” said Chatfield. “Beating Stacey (Hancock) was fantastic and has certainly given me some extra confidence.”

Chatfield has her eyes set firmly on securing a berth with the England squad within the next couple of years, while encouraging any youngsters looking for coaching to come and speak to her.

She added: “It’d be great to do well on the Region 7 tour with East Sussex, where I will play other people from the south east region, which will hopefully lead to an England trial.

“I’d also like to encourage any other ladies who wish to take up the sport to come and see me. I usually practice at Riley’s on Tuesdays, although if you leave your name and number with them, I’ll try and get back to you.”