HE'S BACK: Burnie's 72-year-old Kerry Keygan took out his 21st North-West Billiards and Snooker Association title over the weekend. Picture: Tony Cross.

THIS time last year, Burnie’s Kerry Keygan missed the North-West Billiards and Snooker Association for the first time in 34 years.

The 72-year-old was in hospital having a pacemaker inserted.

But on Saturday he was back doing what he loves, bigger and better than ever.

The avid cueist has regained the championship for the 21st time.

This veteran has been able to overcome many adversities in his time, including the new younger generation of billiards players.

“I started playing competitive billiards in 1974, I have won the championship 21 times and been runner-up seven,” Keygan said.

All this success has been put down to just one thing, practice.

Although Keygan did confess he doesn’t practise anymore, just plays for the fun of it.

“I will keep playing as long as I can see,” Keygan said.

Billiards has run through the Keygan generations for many years.

Keygan’s father used to have a billiard parlour opposite the post office in Burnie.

“I first picked up a cue when I was 14, but I wasn’t allowed into the parlour until I was 18,” Keygan said.

In the NWBSA, Keygan is the oldest player, with some players almost half a century younger than him.

But all those years of experience count for something and Keygan will try and win the championship for the 22nd time next year.

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