YOUNG Sam Lord is taking pool by storm after landing a knockout blow on his older and more experienced rivals.

The teenage potter won the Blackburn Monday Night Pool League singles knockout title - the youngest player to claim the coveted prize.

The 17-year-old student beat Khalid Hussain of John's Club 5-4 in a thrilling final to win the competition and cap a memorable season.

The former Our Lady and St John's pupil has already made his Blackburn Town Team debut in the Lancashire Inter League and is a member of the Lancashire Youth team .

"It was great to win the competition," said Sam who has been playing pool since he was 11-years-old. "It was a season-long competition and I had to win through six or seven rounds to reach the final.

"I was trailing 2-0 in the final to Khalid but managed to turn it around. It was a great feeling."

Sam, who is studying a BTEC in construction at Accrington and Rossendale College, has been playing competitive pool since he was 13 for the Intack Inn - run by his uncle and auntie John and Lynn Hall.

"It was quite unusual for someone so young to be playing in an adult league," added Sam. "But I suppose that is because my uncle and auntie ran the pub.

"We used to have to get special permission from all of the pubs before I played but they didn't seem to mind."

Having ended the last season on a high, Sam has set his sights on doing well for his pub, town and county teams.

"The Intack team I was in were relegated at the end of last season but I have since been promoted to the A team.

"I've really enjoyed my time with the Blackburn team and in March I am going to Great Yarmouth to help Lancashire defend their national title."

And super Sam will be hoping to be another knockout success!