( AFP ) - Daryl Peach on Sunday became the first Englishman to capture the World Pool Championship title, beating Filipino qualifier Roberto Gomez in a nerve-wracking 17-15 triumph.
Peach played solidly to power his way to a winning purse of 100,000 dollars.
"There was pressure. It was an amazing match ...But I just kept my head still and focused on the game and took one shot at a time," said 35-year-old Peace, from Blackpool.
Gomez, winner of the recent Norway Open, said he was "deeply depressed" by the loss, admitting that he cracked under pressure.
In the fateful 31st frame, Gomez erred in an attempt to pocket the ninth ball off a thin slice shot, which swung the match back in Peach's favour.
Peach sunk the 9-ball, leaving him only one frame from glory with a 16-15 lead. He won the 32nd frame to complete his victory in an almost five hour match.