Double delight for town's pool world champions

Two pool players from the same town have spoken of their delight at both winning world titles.

Kieran Malam became the Under-18's Scotch Doubles Champion and Luke Cronin was part of the winning Under-23's team at the World Pool Championships.

Both practice at Dishers Club in Crewe, Cheshire, run by former England women's vice-captain, Lyndsey Roberts.

Mr Malam said: "You put all those hours in just to become world champion and you've finally done it - not only by yourself but you're with one of your best mates."

Luke Cronin (left) and his teammates formed the England B team yet they managed to beat the England A team in their semi-final

Junior captain Mr Malam and his doubles partner Jayden Billingham beat South Africa, Northern Ireland, Scotland and finally Australia on their road to victory.

He said: "It was mine and Jayden's first time ever playing together - and we've won it!"

Mr Malam said his dad, a former world pool champion, watched as his son followed in his footsteps.

"Now there's two world champs in the household so he's over the moon," he added.

Luke Cronin said he had an uncomfortable start to the tournament but gained confidence from his Under-23 teammates.

“The first game we played I won one out of three. The team helped everyone out. We’re all very vocal, we were always getting behind each other,” he said.

The trainee teacher helped his side to victory over the Republic of Ireland in an 8-6 win.

“You just couldn’t stop smiling. It was absolutely brilliant,” he added.

The WEPF World Pool Championships took place in Blackpool in June.