The Guernseyman has just returned from the western Indian city that will host the next edition of the international sporting spectacle, having represented his island in 10-ball pool at the Commonwealth Cue Sports Championships.
He did not make it past the first round of the second annual championships but still returned with plenty of stories to tell, such as how he ended up sitting next to his foil – and eventual champion – Mark Foster on the flight there. He did not realise that for quite a while.
‘Mark and I had never met before,’ he said of a man who plays pool for England while working for the Lawn Tennis Association.
‘I was on the plane flying out to Mumbai and this person was sat next to me on this flight. He was just sat next to me and we were just quiet there.
‘On his phone there was a picture of Ronnie O’Sullivan, and I asked if he was travelling to the Commonwealths, and we introduced ourselves.’
Their chance friendship that did not end when Foster whitewashed him 9-0 in the first round, leaving him sitting down and unable to act for much of the contest.
‘He jinxed it. He said, “Hopefully we don’t get drawn against each other, and we see each other in the final.”’
He ultimately defeated Sheridan Burmester in the final and contributed to Great Britain’s haul of four golds, more than any other nation, although India claimed the most total medals with 13.
‘It’s a shame not to have a run at a medal,’ Kirk added after being vocal about his own ambitions heading into the championships.
‘But I will get another crack at it.’
Indeed, India have already been confirmed as the hosts of next year’s event, though it is not known which region of the huge country the action will take place in.
And Kirk is hoping that he can be on the plane again after what was overall a hugely enjoyable taste of India.
Firstly, he reflected on the warm Indian welcome – and not just in temperatures that hesitated to drop below 35C – and competitors from around the world being ‘treated like Gods’.
‘It was just an unbelievable experience.
‘I’m so happy with it.’
He also highlighted the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex as having the best arena he has ever played at.
He had taken to social media with a post expressing his heartbreak at the early exit.
Among that, he highlighted the continued difficulties that come with the format, adding: ‘10-ball isn’t my normal discipline, and we don’t have American-sized tables in Guernsey, so there are genuine challenges that come with stepping into a discipline you simply can’t practise back home.’
But Kirk, who came back into the sport less than two years ago after finally getting treatment to cure the astigmatism that had ruined his career, has felt his hard work paying off.
‘The sacrifices I’ve had to give up to this point so far have been difficult.
‘I’m not where I want to be, but I’m also not where I used to be.
‘If I had not made those decisions, I would not be travelling all around the world, playing a sport I love and continuing to have further opportunities.’
Flying the Guernsey flag in India helped remind him what it is he loves so much about cue sports.
‘It brings together people from all walks of life – no matter how much you earn, no matter the colour of your skin.
‘You get put in a room with a piece of wood and showcase your talent.
‘The sportsmanship is second to none.’
