A CREDITON man has become a World Champion.
David Williams (34), from Queen Elizabeth's Drive, achieved the result in the Foster's World Eight Ball Pool Championships held at Blackpool.
David was one of the 10 members of the England World team which roared to success at the two-week event.
After success in the qualifiers, David's team played India in the semi-final, winning 14-3.
Following this, in the televised final, the England World team, beat Australia 8-6.
David described the win as "the highlight of my career". He received his trophy from Tournament Director, Alan Benton.
David started playing pool at the age of 18 at the Village Inn, Tedburn St Mary, when he lived in the village.
"I used to play with Andy Sharrock, who had quite an influence on me.
"I was then asked by Devon Pool Association to go for a Devon trial at the end of 1993.
"I then qualified for the Devon Men's squad and played four matches in the Devon "B" team and the remaining six matches that year with the "A" team, which gave me enough points for an England trial."
"I took the trial in 1995, but it was not until 2003 that I got in."
David added: "I played for England B from 2003 to 2005 and for the last three years missed out by one frame from qualifying for the England squad.
"This year I got back into the England squad and progressed to the World Team.
"Each year 10 England squad players play off for four places for the World Championship team"
"I am really thrilled that I just can't get any higher and my aim now is to try to stay there.
"At the moment I am ranked as the number one County player in England because I have won 21 out of 24 matches."
David explained that he believed "remaining calm under immense pressure" and "past experience" had helped him with his achievements, adding that having some "natural ability for the game" was also important.
When he is able, David plays for the Kings Arms "A" team in Crediton.
Later this month, he is due to compete in the Anglo/Scottish at Kirkaldy and in September he hopes to play as part of the European Tour in competition in South Africa.
In October he has the home internationals and in December the Anglo/Welsh, which will be held in Cheshire.
Next February he will be competing in the European event at Dundalk in Ireland.
When he is not competing, David works as a builder for Foxfords Ltd of Thorverton, which he thanks for their understanding allowing him time off to compete.
He also thanks his friends and family for their support.
Alan Quick