Zak Robinson got into pool after playing with his dad and older brothers
Zac Robinson, from Hull, at the Ultimate Pool tournament in Wigan(Image: Family handout)
A Hull teenager has made his family proud after securing a trophy at a pool tournament held in Wigan last weekend. Zak Robinson, 19, has autism and is competing in Ultimate Pool’s Disability Series 2026.
The Disability Pool Series brings together all disability players under one umbrella tour in a multi-classification open system. Former pool world champion Carl ‘Houdini’ Morris, who is also from Hull, is an ambassador for the event.
Zak’s mother, Christina Robinson, told Hull Live: “He did absolutely brilliant. It was his first time being there – absolutely massive stadium at Wigan’s Robin Park Leisure Centre with up to 98 tables.
“There were loads of people around. He had his family there supporting him. He actually didn’t lose a match and he was the one that lost the least frames overall – with a point difference of 21.”
Christina said Zak won a trophy and £300 in prize money. He will now go on to compete in three other tournaments: Bolton in July 3-5, Loughborough in August 6-9, and finally Wigan again in December 11-13.
Zak, who is sponsored by Hustlers Sports Bar in Hull and WER2 Taxis, is part of a long family tradition of pool players, going back to his granddad. “He was about 13 when he started knocking a few balls about,” said Christina.
“Because his dad played pool and his older brothers, he wanted to start.” She added: “Joining the pool world has been amazing for him socially.
“As soon as he gets to know you, he will approach you and have a conversation whereas, before, he wouldn’t do that. So us introducing him to different people in the pool world just made him have a lot more friends than just being stuck at home playing on his Xbox.”
After Zak’s success, Hustlers Sports Bar posted on Facebook: “Absolutely delighted for Zak Robinson who was crowned Ultimate Pool Disability Premier Champion this weekend.
“This was Zak’s first foray into this kind of company and we were only too happy to support him financially and with free table time to practice for the event.
“Zak dedicated himself to preparing for the event, learning the rules, playing with the new dynasphere balls on the Rasson tables and his preparation has come to fruition with a monster victory!”
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