SAUCHIE man Billy Snaddon has become a double world pool champion with a fantastic showing in Ireland earlier this month.

Having been selected to represent Scotland in the Blackball International World Championship, the 47-year-old produced a string of fantastic performances to claim the two titles.

Arriving in Killarney on Monday, October 10, he played his way through almost 20 matches including the two finals at the end of the week.

Not only did he win the seniors single competition, he and his Scotland teammates came out on top in seniors team event – beating rivals England in the final.

He told the Advertiser: "I don't think it has quite sunk in yet, but I am so proud.

"We went over there for the team event – winning the singles was just a bonus.

"It was a tiring week for us all but, in the end, it was all worth it."

In the individual event, Billy had to overcome six different opponents – coming from all over the globe.

He saw off hopefuls from Catalonia, Wales, two from South Africa and England, before downing the French finalist.

Meanwhile, the Scotland players had to contest 10 group stage matches in the gruelling team event.

Nevertheless, they made it through to the last four, and took down the Welsh quartet in the semi.

Then came the final showdown with the "Auld Enemy" with the Scots clinching the championship late on the Sunday night.

The victory proved that much sweeter for Billy and co as the English side had defeated them at the recent European championships.

Billy, who also plays for The Cairn team in Alva, said: "It's always nice to win against the Auld Enemy, especially as they beat us 13-9 last time.

"We've got a little bit of a rivalry there, so it was great to beat them in the final this time."

A former snooker pro himself, Billy knows all about the high stakes and thin margins at major tournaments.

And though pool offers up a totally different experience, it is one he seems to be relishing.

He said: "I played snooker for years, but pool is just a totally different ball game.

"Snooker can be a little more reserved at times, but in pool the people definitely get involved more.

"They don't shout out when you're taking a shot or anything, but the atmosphere is just so brilliant.

"There is a lot of the same pressure, but it was superb over there. Sunday was such a great day for us.

"In the end, I was just really lucky to have been selected to represent my country."

Billy has been playing for The Cairn team for the past few years and said he was full of gratitude for the support he received from the pub.

"The Cairn has been fantastic," he said. "They've been supporting us for a wee while now and I really appreciate that.

"We get a lot of support from the county. The final was live streamed so I think half of Clackmannanshire was cheering us on in Ireland."