Keighley's Chris Melling will be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Ronnie O'Sullivan, Mark Williams and Stephen Hendry next season.

But the new Embassy World 8-Ball Pool Champion won't turn his back on his first love.

The cue all-rounder regained his place on snooker's main circuit last month after finishing third on the Order of Merit.

Indeed, the 24-year-old is off to Ireland on Tuesday for some exhibitions with Jimmy White.

But Melling, even quicker at pool than the Whirlwind is at snooker, says: "I'll be on the main tour again in September and giving snooker another go.

"But I will always play pool. It's what I have always played and I see no reason to stop."

Melling became king of 8-Ball in Blackpool by beating defending champion Jason Twist 11-7 at the resort's Hilton Hotel.

It was Melling's second world crown to deny his former international colleague a record breaking third Embassy success.

Both stars served up a dazzling array of pool that took just 45 minutes to complete-the fastest final in the 11-year history of the competition.

Indeed, 'Magician' Melling and 'Tornado' Twist played the opening four frames faster than it took master of ceremonies Alan Hughes to do his pre match introductions.

The quickest frame was an eye blinking 70 seconds while the slowest just five minutes.

Melling, whose win was worth £10,000, made only two unforced errors in the match.

"It's great to get my hands on the trophy again because he's been a great champion," added Melling.