NEWPORT’S Andrew Corten has a great claim to fame at the moment - he’s the best amateur pool player in Great Britain.

The 39-year old bricklayer first picked up a cue as a 14-year old, but after 25 years of playing in pubs and clubs across Wales, he’s now landed the biggest prize of his life.

Corten has just won the British Amateur Championship in Liverpool, winning a thrilling final against Manchester’s Nikki Murtagh to claim the trophy and the biggest prize of his career.

Corten scooped £2500 for his victory and is already eyeing the chance to defend his title next year.

He explained: “I have won various tournaments in Wales, including the Newport Championship, which I have won 14-times.

“But I have never won a tournament as big as this one, it’s definitely the biggest of my life and I am chuffed to bits.

“It’s certainly the biggest prize I’ve ever won and now I hope I will be able to defend my title next year.”

Corten has represented his country at pool and even made a couple of television appearances on Sky Sports in 1999 and 2000.

However, despite clearly have the goods on the pool table, Corten has never thought about turning professional.

“It’s just not viable really,” he said.

“Ultimately you just can’t make enough money playing pool professionally to justify giving up the day job, but I try to play as often as I can.

“It’s always been my number one sport and I feel proud to be the British Amateur Champion.”