Sharnelle Turini-Hanley potted her way into local pool history at this year’s Valley National 8-Ball League Association World Championships in Las Vegas.

Leading by example, the Bermuda International Pool League president and Dellwood Middle School teacher finished runner-up in the 9-Ball Amateur Redemption competition to become the first Bermudian female player to stand proudly on the podium at the event.

However, she wasn’t the only one achieving the feat at this year’s championships as team-mates Alexandria Dowling and Marguerite Furbert, the BIPL treasurer, placed runner-up in the 9-Ball Amateur Sportswomen division and fourth in the 8-Ball Amateur Classic/Seniors respectively.

“I am honoured to have earned second place in the 9-Ball division, but what makes this year truly historic is the success of Bermuda's female players,” Turini-Hanley told The Royal Gazette.

“We celebrated Bermuda's first-ever female Charlie winner, and that achievement was quickly followed by two more Charlie victories — Alex Dowling and Marguerite Furbert.

“In the 46-year history of Bermuda's participation, only three Charlie titles had ever been won — and this yea, we won all three with each title captured by a female player.

“This accomplishment reflects the dedication, talent and determination of our athletes and highlights the growing strength of women's pool in Bermuda.

“I am also proud that eight members of our delegation returned home with prize money, making this the most successful showing Bermuda has ever had at the championships.”

The trio, who placed fifth in the Amateur Women’s 8-Ball team sportswomen event, were fittingly dubbed as “Charlie’s Angels” by their fellow team-mates for their outstanding individual exploits on the table.

Also producing strong showings in the individual events were Garilynn Bascome, daughter of late BIPL cofounder and 2026 VNEA Hall of Fame inductee Gary Bascome, Anthony Troy-James, Jamel Smith and Daemon Hanley.

Bascome was fourth in the 8-Ball Redemption competition, Troy James seventh in the Amateur Men’s Classic 8-Ball Singles and Smith and Hanley ninth in their respective 8-Ball Sportsmen divisions.

Bermuda’s contingent also made their presence felt in the team competition, where captain Karl Wilson, Todd Dziak, Richard Burton, Fredrick Richardson, Mark Iris, Hilton Brown and Keino Zuill delivered an outstanding performance on the way to finishing third in the World Championship.

The team achieved a notable victory over Spain before falling to a powerful United States team comprised largely of master-level players.

The Bermuda Islanders team also left their mark on the event, finishing seventeenth out of 158 teams in the entertainment division of the Men’s 8-Ball event respectively.

“As president of the Bermuda International Pool League, I am incredibly proud of our team's performance at the VNEA World Pool Championships,” Turini-Hanley said.

“Congratulations to all of our players who represented Bermuda with excellence. You have made our league and our country incredibly proud.

“These accomplishments have motivated me to continue striving for higher standards, embracing new challenges and contributing positively to the industry.

“I am grateful for the support of my club, Warwick Workmen's, mentors like Gary Bascome and Trevor Mouchette, friends and family who have been part of this journey.”

The BIPL now hope to capitalise on their success by recruiting younger players and seeking financial support from organisations, corporate sponsors and the Bermuda Government to support the continued growth of the sport.

The association aims to introduce young people to pool in a structured, positive environment that fosters discipline, focus and respect as they feel the sport teaches valuable life skills, including patience, strategy and concentration — qualities that extend far beyond the game.

However, a major stumbling block is the lack of a dedicated pool hall, with much of the of the sport presently taking place in bar environments, which are unsuitable for youth participation.

The BIPL has stressed the urgent need for a safe, accessible facility where young players can train and develop and feel that with the right investment and community support, Bermuda can continue to build on its international success while inspiring the next generation of players.

“We have the talent — now we are showing the world what we can do,” BIPL vice- president Richard Burton said.

“With the proper support, the future of pool in Bermuda is extremely bright.”

Bermuda were making their first appearance at the VNEA World Pool Championships without late BIPL cofounder and player Bascome, who was officially inducted into the VNEA Hall of Fame in recognition of more than three decades of commitment to the sport and over 50 years as a player during the event.

Bascome, who passed away in January at the age of 76 from cancer, was honoured this year for his talent, good sportsmanship, longevity, hard work and for being an all round fine, well respected person.