South African pool champion Kyle Akaloo makes history with Grand Slam victory
An honour
Kyle Akaloo has won all six pool championships this season
Image: Supplied
SOUTH African pool champion, Kyle Akaloo, has earned the “Grand Slam” after he scooped all six national titles in pool in this year’s season.
Akaloo, 35, of Malvern, said it was an honour to win all six championships, a feat that no cue sportsman had achieved before in South Africa.
The father of one won the 9 ball and Straight Pool Championships in April, and went on to win the Heyball Championship in May. He won the 8 Ball Championship in August.
His Grand Slam (winning six championships in one season) was earned after he won the Bank Pool and 10 Ball championships last weekend.
Akaloo spoke to the POST from Egypt this week, while preparing to compete in the Heyball African Open - about his Grand Slam title.
“It feels great to hold the Grand Slam title, especially since it has never been done in our country before. I thought I was going to win five out of six championships, but I ended up winning all six titles. I knew I would do well in the bank pool but was not convinced I would win it. Winning that was awesome.
“This achievement is special to me. Winning one tournament is a tough task, so that would tell you how hard it is to win six. I’m already in Egypt for the Heyball African Open. Next year I will be playing in the World Heyball Tour."
Akaloo has defended his South African 9 Ball and Straight Pool champion titles for three consecutive years.
Last year, he ranked in the top 64 of the US Open 9 Ball Championships. He is also the only player to be ranked number one for pool and snooker simultaneously in South Africa.