World British 8-ball world champion Gareth Potts overshadowed 9-ball star Chris Melling 17-9 in a Derby at the Joy Cup Chinese 8-ball Masters here on Sunday.

It was the first international Masters being held of the Chinese 8-ball sport, which attracts more than 200,000 registered clubs over China and more than 60 million fans while about 85 percent fans playing Chinese 8 ball pool.

The Joy Cup Masters was broadcast on-air by the CCTV (China's Central TV) for 40 hours and it was the first time the Chinese 8-ball was on CCTV.

In the final, Potts started high with 3-0, 11-2, 14-9 and 17-9 to beat the pre-meet hot favorite compatriot Melling who kept an unbeaten run before the final. Chinese players Shi Weida and Chen Qiang finished third and fourth.

"It's my first time to play Chinese 8-ball. It's the most difficult billiard and the highest level I've ever played in my career. I like it very much and feel fanatical with the sport, the fans and the atmosphere. It is the best ever competition that can be compared with any other world championships."

"Today I was relaxed. It was fantastic to play against Melling. He is one of the best players in the world. I had a great time. I'd love to come here next year and play more Chinese 8-ball," said Potts who won the champion prize money 300,000 RMB (about 50,000 US dollars).

Melling admitted he was below-par in the final Derby. "It was Potts who played great. He deserves the trophy. I did not play as normal. I don't know why," Melling said.

During the four-day Masters, Snooker King Stephen Hendry, led other seven international stars, including German Ralf Souquet, Irish veteran Ken Doherty, 9 ball stars Chris Melling, Darren Appleton, Gareth Potts, Mike Hill and Karen Corr played with 8 Chinese top players. Endi

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