Gerry Watson, or The Ghost, entertained dozens of students during The Gerry Watson Show at E.P. Taylor's.
Durham College students gathered around a pool table at E.P. Taylor's on March 13, for another exciting trick show by international billiards icon Gerry Watson.
At age 12 Watson began shooting pool in a neighbour's home and only three years later had become Cornwall, Ontario's top snooker and pool player. From 1983 to 1989 the Cornwall resident, also known as The Ghost, was one of 128 members of the World Professional Snooker and Billiards Association and from the late '80s to early '90s he travelled to 27 Canadian military bases to entertain soldiers throughout the world. He has performed more than 3,000 shows.
"It's great seeing world-class players come to Durham College," said Durham College Business student Kevin Mott. "The school is providing events relevant to students' interests." Your Student Association at Durham College hosted the billiards show.
During a show last year, Watson blindfolded Mott and secured billiard's chalk between his lips. He then shot a pool ball off of the chalk, sinking another ball in a far pocket.
"I still have the chalk and Gerry just gave me another one," Mott said proudly.
Throughout the show Watson joked with students, played one-on-one with volunteers and continued to amaze the audience. Watson said anyone can learn the basic fundamentals of a discipline, but a high interest level and another person with the same passion are needed to become an expert.
"In order to exceed you need a friend so both of you can motivate each other to reach your goals," said Watson. For almost two years Watson practised and studied billiards with a close friend, before advancing as a world-class player.
"Without a friend having the same interest, I wouldn't have crossed a lot of bridges in this sport," he said.
Watson is a Canadian Open 8-ball champion and two-time 9-ball champion. Watson has also published the book 101 Big Pool Shots and released the Pool Academy and the Graduating Class DVDs, which he gave to selected students in the audience.