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Karl Lueders Friday, October 03, 1997, 03:00 PM
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Although he had given up playing professional pool and snooker around the world, Australia's
Lou Condo Sr., 50, made his son, Louis Jr., 22, practice for two years before he could start
playing competitively. "Dad was a tough coach and really gave it to me, but after I started
winning I gave it right back to him," said the younger Condo. "On the table and off," laughed
Lou. As one of Australia's better money players in the late 60's and 70's, Condo Sr. played professional snooker in England briefly before returning to Australia in 1974. Louis Jr., has been following mightily in his father's footsteps, winning the 1994 Australian 8-ball championships as well the 1995 9-ball title. Louis' good-natured taunts have even brought his father back into competition. As a result, father and son have met a few times at the table since Lou returned to the game in 1994. Possibly the most memorable was at the Brunswick Masters in 1994: Louis be at his father, but becasue of the double elimination format, his father came out of the loser's bracket to win the tournament. Now they're playing side-by-side, representing Australia in the WPA World Championships. Although Condo Sr., was eliminated after his first two matches, Louis is still alive, scheduled to play at 3 p.m. today versus Shuji Nagata. Still, Lou Sr. couldn't be any happier. "The only reason I came out of retirement was to play with my Louis." |
