CHRIS Melling has enjoyed an incredible last week or so out in America, as part of a successful British invasion.

The Keighley ace was taking part in two marquee events in Louisiana, the first ones on the brand-new Ultimate Pool USA circuit.

The Louisiana Shootout took place during the week, with Melling making it all the way to the quarter-finals, where he lost 6-3 to fellow Englishman and close friend Darren Appleton.

And Appleton went on to win the tournament, with his success something of a fairytale, given he suffered a massive heart attack in December 2022.

He was initially given little chance of survival, placed in a coma, had surgery and spent three weeks in hospital, but thankfully he has recovered and is now competing with best on the pool circuit once again.

Melling was straight back in action after that defeat to Appleton in the last-eight of the Shootout, taking part in the Louisiana Open.

And it was Britain versus America in the showpiece, as the Keighley veteran took on two-time Mosconi Cup participant Tyler Styer.

But the man from Wisconsin was unable to make home advantage count, as Melling took home the inaugural Louisiana Open title with an 8-4 victory in the final.