HAWORTH amateur pool player Shaun Berrisford has described taking on double World Pool Masters champion Shane Van Boening as a privilege.

The former South Craven School pupil, who is working in America, was invited to play in the US Open Straight Pool Championships at Pool Table Magic in Windsor Locks, Connecticut.

He was well beaten by the Mosconi Cup star, who is ranked number one in the US professional pool ranks, but was thrilled to get the chance to compete against him.

Berrisford, who is on a long-term management consultancy assignment in Hartford, Connecticut, said: "I lost convincingly but played well actually. I opened the scoring which was a great feeling. But after a short safety exchange, Shane ran 97 consecutive balls without missing (in straight pool you pocket 14 of the 15 and leave one on the table ready to pot and break open the 14 when they get re-racked). I was never going to come back from that.

"But this was a great learning experience and I'm very privileged."

Berresford, who grew up in Steeton, added: "In the 18 months I have been working in the US, I have fallen in love with pool. I was very lucky to find a high-class establishment like Pool Table Magic right next door to my hotel and it has become my second home.

"I am grateful to CueSports International for inviting me into the competition and loved every minute. I got chance to play a few racks of 9-ball informally against Shane (before their match) and it was a lot of fun. He is a phenomenal pool player and exceptionally nice guy.’