After a successful year, billiard championships are set to come back to Chatham for the next two years.
An event was hosted at the John D Bradley Convention Centre in February, with over 600 people travelling into the municipality to take part. The Championship was great for CK, with municipal officials saying it had an economic impact of at least $105,000.
Thanks to the championship's success, organizer Ronda Clement has secured a deal with the convention centre and the Holiday Inn to host the events over the next two years.
"The space is the big thing," said Clement, noting that the employees at the convention centre and hotel were amazing to work with.
There will be two events in 2027 and another two in 2028, and the hope is that even more people will participate.
"We'll have anywhere between 700 and 1,000. I do have the Holiday Inn booked for both events, pretty much every room," Clement continued.
Clement has owned her own pool hall, Strokers London, for 22 years. She told CK News Today that pool is becoming more popular.
"Pool is on an upswing. I'm excited we can offer a junior program. I love having the kids come and play, and Chatham is great," Clement explained.
Each year, there will be an Ontario Championship and a Valley National 8-ball League Association (VNEA) Canadian Championship.
The Ontario Championships will include 8-ball singles, 9-ball singles, 8-ball scotch doubles, 8-ball teams, and an 8-ball junior division. The tournaments are set for February 3 to 7, 2027, and February 2 to 6, 2028.
The VNEA Canadian Championships will have a recreation, copper, bronze, silver, and gold division. Players can take part in 8-ball singles, 8-ball teams, 8-ball scotch doubles, or an 8-ball junior division. It will be hosted from March 24 to 28, 2027, and from April 4 to 9, 2028.
