IT has been quite the few months for Keighley potter Arfan Dad, with the highlight his maiden World Rules Pool Tour title earlier this month in Daventry.

Having come agonisingly close to two European titles on the same weekend in late July/early August, he held his nerve in the final of the fourth WRPT title event of the season, beating the talented Josh Kane 8-7 in a thriller.

Dad even still had the energy to travel to Newcastle-under-Lyme the following day and book his place in the last-16 of the Ultimate Pool Pairs Cup with playing partner Craig Waddingham, after they won their group.

Those knockout stages will be played in the New Year.

But it was his WRPT title that really caught the eye, with Dad saying: "I would say it's my best win yet in my career.

"I've won a few English pool titles before and got to a few big semi finals but not gone all the way like I did the other weekend."

It was a tricky draw for Dad too, who said: "Three of the lads I played, Neil Raybone, Callum Singleton and then Josh in the final, have all won the World Masters before.

"The final against Josh was nip and tuck and there was never more than one frame in it.

"I'm a pretty religious guy, and it felt like God was with me in the final, because Josh was so unlucky to go in-off from his break in the deciding frame.

"I've played better in other games and lost them, but sometimes it's just your time.

"I've been quite consistent of late, and a lot of people were saying a big tournament win was close for me, but the more you hear that, it leaves a monkey on your back, so it was nice to come through and get the title."

It made up somewhat for Dad's agony a few months ago, as he explained: "I was playing on the IPA World Tour, which is the main one that's been around for ages.

"I'd turned 38 on July 29, then these two finals were that weekend, the European Open and the European Professional.

"The first of those, the Open, was my maiden IPA final, but I was just left with too much to do against one of the best players on the circuit in Marc Farnsworth.

"And then I was up against Ross Fernie in the European Professional final. He just went off on one in that game, and there wasn't much I could have done to stop him winning."

Dad, who wanted to thank Pilky's Cue Sports Club & Bar for all the support and facilities they have offered himself and his fellow Keighley potter Chris Melling over the years, is not done this month either.

He said: "I'm playing the fifth and final World Rules Pool Tour event of the year in Daventry this weekend.

"It's even at the same hotel as the one I won in the middle of the month, so I'll be going down there with Chris and I hope I can pull off another victory."

Melling was in action last weekend too, taking part in Event 6 of the Ultimate Pool Professional Series.

The two-time world champion kicked off his tournament in style, winning a thrilling encounter 6-4 against Rob Chilton.

But he came a cropper in round two against the in-form Shane Thompson, losing 6-3.