A DROITWICH Spa English 8-Ball Pool player has his sights set on representing England and turning professional after being named Worcestershire County Pool Association player of the year.

Darrell Bareham, of Chawson, picked up the joint accolade, along with Worcester's Gary Simmonds, after winning two thirds of his County A team frames in 2002.

But he was ultimately disappointed when learning he had missed England trial selection by just one frame.

The 26-year-old finished 13th on the England selection list, with only the top 12 gaining entry.

He said: "It was an improvement on last season and what I aimed for at the start so I was chuffed. But it was a bigger disappointment because I missed out on the England trials."

But Bareham, who practises for 30 hours a week at Worcester's Suzy Q Snooker and Pool Club, does has some consolation by making it on to the International Tour of 192 players - an event totally separate to his county commitments.

The first of six events, some televised, starts at Blackpool's Hilton Hotel on Friday, February 14. From there, Darrell will play at venues including Wembley.

If he can turn on the style in the Tour events, against some of the world's best players, and finish in the top 64, he will then be invited to turn professional. That, in turn, could see him one day make the England squad.

And, having only taken up pool after putting his cue away for three years when his snooker career did not take off, Darrell would relish the opportunity.

"I was a regular century break maker at snooker with a top break of 137," he added. "I was never quite good enough to make it as a decent professional. Now I have a second chance and I am going to make the most of it."