A YOUNG pool talent from Basildon has been crowned world champion after a stunning display at the Under-16 World Pool Championships in Ireland.

Krishan Patel, a Year 11 pupil at Woodlands School, was part of a four-man team that headed to Killarney last month, captaining the team for the third time in major competitions.

And the 15-year-old star, who also won the European Championships earlier this year, said it was a great moment.

“I have played four tournaments for England,” said Patel. “I took part in the European Championships in Bridlington last year, where we got to the semi-final but lost 8-1.

“It was a good run and we made the final of the Nations Cup in Nottingham later that year, losing to Wales 8-6.

“But we beat Wales in this year’s European Championships which was a great feeling and to follow it up with a win in the World Championship was brilliant.

“We beat Scotland 8-4 in the final in a best of 15 frame competition and it is a wonderful feeling.”

Patel has now switched his attentions to the Under-18s European Championships next April, where he will represent the B1 team.

And he said he is so glad he persevered with the sport, having taken it up four years ago after his dad took him to the Q Ball Snooker Club in Basildon.

“It was about four years ago I got into it,” he said. “I was bored in the holidays and it was a hobby at first. My dad had played for years and I thought why not.

“I really liked it. Dad saw I had some talent and I went for an Essex trial two weeks later where they offered me an England trial.

“I went to that in May 2012 and didn’t get in and it was the same the following year, but I got a call saying I could play for England U15.

“And I have gone on since then. I love playing and want to keep doing so.”