A POOL player hopes to turn professional after qualifying for an international tour.

Malcolm Clarke, 20, combines study at Lincoln University with shooting eight-ball pool for the Kings Head pub, in Lanchester, County Durham.

At the weekend, he got through trials in Blackpool to qualify for the Embassy International Pool Tour.

Mr Clarke, who lives in Lanchester, began playing pool at the age of three.

"It's the tour to be on if you want a professional ranking," he said.

"The qualifying tour comprises of six events around the country and the top 64 qualify for the professional tour.

"After I graduate, I'd like to get a job in management and play professional pool at the same time."