SHARP shooter Wayne Jones has secured a top pool title at an international tournament in Malta.

The 44-year-old, from Talgarth, won the senior over-40s senior singles category at the Nations Cup.

Wayne, a farmer, had travelled to the Mediterranean island with the Welsh team who went out in the semi-finals of the team competition but defeated Englishman Jules Goodyear in his individual final to take the cup at the tournament held at the beginning of November.

“I still can’t quite believe it now to be honest,” said Wayne of the victory he clinched by winning five of nine games in the final: “It’s just one of those things, it all clicked on the day.

“The final was streamed on the internet and lot of people were watching it. I had lots of messages and my phone was non-stop afterwards.”

The final was played at a resort in St Paul’s Bay in an arena with some 20 pool tables in it.

“We were on what we call the TV tables and there were other games going on so there were a lot of people about and probably a couple hundred people in the room.

“I’ve played for Wales, at various levels for 25 years. I used to play for the B team, the Welsh A team and since I turned 40 I’ve played for the Wales seniors.”

Wayne who runs the Brecon Summer Pool League and plays for the town’s Northcote Conservative Club has been potting since he was 15.

“I’ve played since I was 15 when I first played in the old Felin Fach league and I’ve played for the Con Club for about 20 years.

“I’ve known Jules, who I played against in the final, for a couple of years as I’ve played for Wales seniors and we have two tournaments a year and I’ve played in world and European tournaments.”

Wayne had previously won a team bronze with Wales at the world tournament.