Daryl Peach, World Champion!

Daryl Peach has become the first Brit to become the 9 ball pool world champion. The final match was an epic battle that went almost all the way, with Daryl remaining composed while his opponent, Roberto Gomez of the Philippines, wilted under the pressure in the final few racks. The match was played in Quezon City, with just about the entire crowd rooting for their man rather than Peach.

Could this be the turning point for British pool? After years of not being in the running, despite the huge amount of cue sports talent in this country, we finally have a champion. Even more remarkable, prior to the event this year no Brit had made it to the last 8 since Steve Davis in 2000, but the semi-finals this year featured two Englishman, Peach and fellow Blackpool cueist Karl Boyes. This year's astonishing run for the UK can only be good for the sport.

So congratulations Daryl, on a deserved victory, and well done both Daryl and Karl Boyes for flying the flag and doing Britain proud.

Read more at the official world pool championship website

Picture: Daryl Peach with trophy, from www.worldpoolchampionship.com