Sergeant Christopher Lilly returned to the national cue sports arena in spectacular fashion, representing the ACT at the 2025 Australian National Eight-Ball Championships in Rockhampton after a 10-year break from competition.

The 24-year Air Force veteran, currently serving within Canberra’s Headquarters Maritime Border Command (HQMBC), credits his wife with reigniting the fire.

“My priorities changed after joining the ADF and having children, and I started playing less and less cue sports,” Sergeant Lilly said.

“By 2020, I had stopped playing competitive cue sports altogether. All my children had grown up and I received a posting to Canberra.

“The pool scene in Canberra is quite large, with lots of competitions. My wife suggested that I should consider playing again.”

The comeback happened faster than anyone expected.

“I was very surprised at how quickly I began to improve and become competitive again,” he said.

“After having some success in 2024 and beginning 2025 even better, I decided to try and get recognised as an elite sports participant.

“My unit, HQMBC, supported my application and the Air Force Sports Council (AFSC) recognised me as an elite sports participant.”

That special status opened the door to Rockhampton, where the highlights kept coming – running out on his first visit in both the Masters semi-final and grand-final, doubling the black in the deciding frame against New Zealand to keep finals hopes alive for the ACT Open Team, and winning his opening Open doubles match alongside 15-year-old doubles partner, Charles.

'Although my win/loss percentage was pretty good, I felt my biggest contribution was off the table in [the] form of support and encouragement for the ACT squad.'

Sergeant Lilly said there is a clear link between his Air Force career and success at the table.

“Playing competitive cue sports, coupled with my time in the ADF, has helped develop my focus as well as my leadership and teamwork skills,” he said. 

“Due to the nature of the Defence Force, it is essential to form bonds quickly and learn how to get the most out of your team. 

“The ability to quickly form working relationships helped me in creating a strong team bond, and I believe this contributed to the team’s success.”

Despite the ACT fielding one of the least experienced squads, they remained in every contest and tied in their round-robin match with Queensland, the eventual champion.

“Although my win/loss percentage was pretty good, I felt my biggest contribution was off the table in [the] form of support and encouragement for the ACT squad,” Sergeant Lilly said.

He praised the sport’s welcoming spirit.

“Cue sports has a strong community feel and [a] strong representation from people of all ages, genders and with a variety of abilities,” he said.

“Players are recognised not just individually but by the state, territory or country they represent.”

Above all, he is grateful for the Air Force backing that made the return possible.

“I love cue sports and am grateful for all the support the AFSC and my unit have provided me to be able to compete at a national level,” Sergeant Lilly said.