SHE’S the first female Roll-Up champion in the 25-year history of the competition at Chandlers Ford Snooker Club in Hampshire.

Jackie Ellis overcame her inner demons and survived a tense final night to claim top spot.

The 52-year-old, from Clyffe Pypard near Royal Wootton Bassett, led the six-month money list going into the final handicapped tournament, but a 17-strong field meant any of the top four could have taken the £175 first prize.

However, she was unbeaten in six matches to win her round-robin group.

Ellis admitted she was in “total disbelief” until turning off the motorway on the approach to her home in the early hours of the morning.

“I didn’t ever at any point think I could or would be able to win,” said Ellis.

“When all the people turned up for the event, I felt sure it was going to be well out of my reach.

“My goal was to not go home disappointed with my own game no matter what the outcome.

“I was in total disbelief after my last game, where I had been running on less than empty, and it wasn’t until we came off the M4 at junction 16 that it actually began to sink in.”

Ellis, who is ranked 16th on the World Women’s Snooker tour, and her son Riley began their association with Chandlers Ford Snooker Club in 2015.

They now travel down from Wiltshire to the Hampshire club at least three times a week to practice, receive coaching and play in the various competitions.

Ellis suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, which causes widespread pain and affects balance, coordination, concentration and short-term memory.

Her World Snooker coach Tim Dunkley said: “Overcoming anxiety and the effects of these two debilitating illnesses is a daily challenge for Jackie.

“So to become the first woman to win the Roll-Up was remarkable.

“Her conditions mean she has to work even harder than her peers. But this title is worth all those hours on the practice table and all those sleepless nights.”