Burnley pool ace Jamie Southern had the best players in Europe in his pocket at a recent high-profile tournament.

And such was his success, it's a competition he certainly won't forget in a hurry!

His accomplishments came in the annual European Pool Championship, held this year in Clacton, Essex.

Jamie, a promising talent for a few years now, represented his mother's side of the family by playing for the Republic of Ireland after his talent was initially spotted by national coach Martin Kirwin three years ago.

And he didn't let the Emerald Isle down by winning the warm-up 'flyer' tournament - and a £200 cheque - without dropping a single frame!

Jamie swept aside world number six Craig Parker in the early stages, and went on to enjoy a highly convincing 3-0 victory over professional John Ingles in the final.

Later, in the main singles tournament, Jamie proved his early form was no 'pot luck' by enjoying a wonderful run of results to battle past the 1100-strong field and reach the last four.

Jamie pulled off a host of remarkable victories against the likes of Scottish international Chick McCraig, Irish team-mate Eddie Nolan, Wales number two Ben Davies and even the World under-21 Champion Lee Gillies!

However, eventual winner Paddy McMullin of Scotland, proved just too strong for Jamie as the youngster exited the competition at the semi-final stage after suffering a 5-3 defeat.

In the team event, Jamie retained 'that winning feeling' to cap an impressive tournament by winning 13 out of 18 matches.

His Republic of Ireland team finished third, only experiencing defeat at the hands of eventual winners Scotland and runners-up England. When he isn't taking on the Continent's finest, Jamie continues to represent his family's public house, The Talbot Hotel on Church Street in Burnley, where father Ken is extremely proud of his efforts.

"Jamie played magnificently," he said. "He's always been a good player at both pool and snooker, and he'd made a couple of 140+ clearances in Burnley before he set off for Clacton.

"He's looking forward to next June's World Pool Championships held in Bridlington, that's for sure."

Indeed, if Jamie can maintain his blistering form at the baize other players are sure to get green with envy!