Inside Sport

The former World Cup Champion in English Pool says reaching the semi-final in his first attempt in the World 9 Ball Championships - and friend Daryl Peach's win - has inspired him.

Boyes said: "I really can't believe how close I got! If you'd have told me before I went that I'd get to the semi-finals - I wouldn't have believed you!"

He said: "It would've been amazing to have played Daryl in the final - but I went 4-0 up against Gomez and then hardly got another shot!"

So what was it like to play in front of the infamous Filipino crowd - who were at times hostile?

He said: "I loved it. The atmosphere was amazing."

The crowd warmed to him, though, thanks to three girls who wolf whistled whenever he took to the table against Gomez.

He explained: "When the girls whistled I kept waving at them throughout the match - so the crowd were laughing!"

When he first arrived in the home of 9 Ball Pool - he admits he didn't think the UK players could live with the Filipinos who dominate the sport. Mind you, they start young in the Philippines...pool is on the school timetable!

Boyes said: "The players over there are so good which makes Daryl's achievement event more amazing. He was mentally so strong. I'm really pleased for him.

"It has proved that we can compete against the rest of the world now."

It has also made the 25 year old realise that he personally can make it in 9 Ball.

"I didn't even consider myself a 9 Ball player before I went - I was an English Pool player who switched to play American 8 Ball when the IPT was set up," he said.

Boyes finished 8th in the last IPT event at Reno in September 2006 but it was beset  by financial problems and players are yet to receive their full prize money. In the meantime, Boyes has turned his hand to 9 Ball.

Boyes' run in this year's World Pool Championships has ensured he will get an automatic invite next year.