A TEENAGE Saltcoats pool ace is celebrating his biggest ever triumph.

Jonathan McDermid (17) headed to Bridlington to compete in the Under-23 European Black Ball Pool Championships.

And he surpassed his expectations by teaming up with Ryan Fisher from Falkirk to win the doubles title.

Jonathan, who plays at the Nonsuch Snooker Club in Saltcoats, has been playing pool for more than 10 years.

He said: "This was by far my biggest win, I had no expectations before going to the European Championships. I really enjoy the sport and play regularly in a Wednesday league at Riccarton in Kilmarnock. I practise every day or two and hope to compete in much bigger tournaments when I am older."

Jonathan is now preparing for the Nations Cup, which will be held in Malta.

"There are a lot of European countries and some others competing in the event. I am second in the under-18 Scottish rankings. I won a trial in January which was the qualifier for the European Championships. I really enjoy playing pool, as there is a lot of accuracy involved and you need a good eye for it.

"Hopefully the success in the European Championships will be a stepping stone for success in the future for me. I also hope to play in the Under-23s team at the World Championships, which are going to be held in Coleraine next year," added Jonathan.

The youngster's dad was delighted with his success and said: "I am really proud of Jonathan, he has done really well and works hard on his game."