Ultimate Pool Euro Open title win has Scott Gillespie back at the top table

Scott Gillespie admits he’s a relieved man after winning the inaugural Ultimate Pool European Open title ... because it means he’s getting back to where he was.

Gillespie, 38, had the world at his feet before Covid struck and essentially took him away from a pool table for two years.

But beating Jack Whelan 8-6 to take the title in Stoke last weekend means Gillespie is nearly back to his status of world’s best.

“The European Open was the big one and I’m delighted to get my hands on it,” said Larkhall man Scott.

“Before Covid it was quite widely know in the pool world that I was probably the best player on the planet.

“Covid shut down the world for two years, I don’t have a pool table at home, and I pretty much didn’t play for that time.

“A lot of people crept up on the guys who weren’t playing, so they were match-sharp and my form just wasn’t there.

“I’ve started getting to grips with that, putting a wee bit more time in, and winning on the big stage again was a relief.

“Although I won the Masters last year, you still want to keep winning and competing, so the fact that it’s my second title on that tour was a relief more than anything.

“In my head and in my heart, I know I’m still one of the best on the planet, but until you actually win stuff there will always be those doubts with other people.

“I’m strong-minded and it’s not a case of what people think, because I know what I can do, but in sport people always rate you on how you’re doing in tournaments.

“The boy I beat in the semi-final, Tom Cousins, has won the most events since Ultimate Pool got going four years ago.

“It’s such a strong field and there’s only maybe a handful of players that have won more than one event.

“Tom’s out in front, I think he’s won between