TEENAGE potting sensation Ben Fortey is the new World 8-Ball Pool Federation Under-23 champion following an epic win in Blackpool.

The 18-year-old from Hereford defeated Kent rival Luke Bowry to become the first ever winner of the trophy despite hardly playing the game.

“I don’t play a lot of pool, I’ve got a table in my house and play snooker all the time," said Fortey, who is from the Whitecross area of Hereford.

“So, I didn’t really expect to do that well.

"But I played well all week to be fair.

"I'm really delighted with the win because it's a massive tournament."

Fortey, who only took up the sport when he was 12, was 2-1 down against Bowry before taking a 4-2 lead.

The duo exchanged games before Fortey opened up a 6-4 lead.

But back came Bowry to level the tie before Fortey went took the final two frames to prevail 8-6 and get his hands on the trophy.

“I had a few nerves towards the end when I was potting the black but that was about it," said Fortey.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet but I am really happy.”

Fortey reached the final with a 7-5 win over Malta's Dylan Cassar, while Bowry overcame Callum Singleton 7-3.

Fortey said he thought he had a good chance of winning the tournament after reaching the last four following an excellent 7-6 comeback win against Tom Church.

"I was 6-3 down at one stage and managed to win it," he said.

Fortey, who represents Wales, also took part in the World Amateur Masters in Blackpool, but got knocked out by Mark Price after making the last 128.

Fellow Hereford pool player Tom Cousins, who triumphed at the WEPF final in 2013, also competed in the Masters, but lost 7-6 to Craig Waddingham in the last 32 round.