Euros success for IVS pool wizard

Representing Wales at the 2023 European Pool Championships was a proud occasion for IVS contracts manager, Kevin Grancourt.

Kevin was a member of the Wales B team that won through to the quarter finals of the tournament held in Malta. He also made it to the second round of the singles.

“It was an amazing experience. Walking out with the team at the opening ceremony was one of the proudest moments of my life,” said Kevin, who was sponsored by IVS.

“The team event went well and we got through the qualifying league before losing 13-12 to England, the eventual winners.”

More than 800 players from across Europe took part in the event which was broadcast live on television in the home nation, where pool enjoys a high profile.

Playing in the Euros was the high point of Kevin’s return to the sport after a 21-year break. Picking up a cue at the age of 11, he stopped in his early 20s due to other commitments and only resumed two years ago.

His ambitions are to qualify to the next Euros in 2025 and to make it to the A team to represent Wales in the world championships the following year.

“IVS’s backing has made a huge difference and I’d like to thank everyone for their support,” added Kevin, who has worked for IVS for 13 years.