POTTING sensation Tom Cousins jumped into the crowd after triumphing in the World Eight-Ball Pool Federation final.

The 24-year-old, who honed his skills at The Potting Shed in Hereford, defeated his English rival in front of the Sky Sports’ cameras in the World Eight-ball competition.

“When I potted the black to win I shook Craig Waddingham’s hand - and then I went mad and I jumped into the crowd,” said Cousins.

“I’ve never felt pressure like that before.

“The £6,000 prize money will come in handy for a nice holiday and I won’t have to worry for a few months.”

Tom’s mum, Jean, was too nervous to watch her son in action.

“I didn’t go to Blackpool because I get too nervous and loud,” she said.

Tom now hopes to visit Australia on pool’s equivalent of a Lions’ tour, taking on the best of the southern hemisphere alongside the winner of the European championships.

Former Potting Shed proprietor Terry McDonald-Smith hailed the success, in Blackpool, of his former employee.

“I would like to think I helped Tom’s development in his early career,” said McDonald-Smith, a qualified snooker coach.

Cousins dispatched the world junior champion and a former European champ in the early rounds of the competition, which finished last week.

He edged out Waddingham 11-10 in a thrilling final.

“Craig’s fans got a bit louder than mine.

“I have been ahead early before, and messed up, but I knew all I needed was to get a ball off the break.”

Cousins was schooled on the Hereford tables by his dad, Steve, before bursting on to the national stage by winning the world junior title at 15.

A former European under-18 pool champion, Cousins warmed up for the World Junior Championship in 2007 by showing his snooker expertise with a 147 break.

The pool star now lives in Norfolk with his girlfriend, Laura, and 10- month-old daughter Charlotte.

He competes in five main events on the World Eight-Ball Pool Federation tour - having switched federation’s last year.

Despite moving away from Hereford, Cousins still has strong links with the area.

His family live in Belmont and he’s backed by Ross-on- Wye’s Essential Sewing Services.