Shane Thompson: Somerset pool player says sport 'not too far away'

Shane Thompson quit his job in Bristol to play pool professionally and now travels all around the world competing

Somerset-born pool player Shane Thompson says he believes the sport has the potential to grow further.

The 37-year-old from Taunton began playing in pubs before turning professional aged 25.

He has now won multiple Ultimate Pool pro events, and a world and European title with England.

"I think we've got the reach on social media and I think we've got the reach on TV figures," he told BBC Radio Somerset.

"I'm pretty confident we're not too far away."

Thompson spends seven to eight hours a day practising in the build-up to a competition and travels around the world - he is spending a month in China competing in March at the World Masters.

He began playing recreationally before making the leap and quitting his job to pursue a career in the sport full-time.

"I was building caravans at Baileys in Bristol, I did that for a few years and started playing through my dad's pubs and it went from there really," Thompson said

"Family didn't like it at all, but I think they kind of understood. I enjoyed playing and that's all I ever did. I finished work and I was straight to the pub to play."

He added: "I realised a lot of people were doing it so I quit my job. Now it's paid off."

Pool is played widely recreationally but coverage of professional game is also growing with the Ultimate Pool professional series now shown in 66 countries around the world.

After narrowly missing out on a title last year, Thompson said his aim in 2024 was to "carry on" what he has been doing, but to go one step further.

"I missed out last year, made a final and couple of semi-finals so I'd like to win one," he said.

"It means the world to represent your country in any sport, so I look forward to it any time I play."