DUDLEY record-breaker Mick Hill became the oldest and most prolific men’s singles winner ever after victory at the WEPF World 8-Ball Pool Championships.

The 37-year-old former England international defeated fellow veteran Phil Harrison 11-6 in Blackpool last Wednesday to win the title for a fourth time and pocket a £6,000 first prize.

Hill, who is now based in Yorkshire, previously held the record of three victories with Gareth Potts and was rarely troubled by the 2009 winner and 2011 runner-up.

“I just felt this time I was playing without pressure,” Hill said after recovering from a 2-0 deficit. “It’s totally different to when I was playing as a youngster.

“I didn’t want to play like a doughnut but there weren’t nerves like it’s the end of the world if I don’t win.

“That’s nice because you can play with a freedom of how you know you can hit the ball.”

Hill, previously champion in 2005, 2010 and 2015, was quick to commiserate with Harrison.

He said: “Me and Phil have been friends for 20 years. We stayed in a twin room at the hotel until his family arrived.

“We’ve had the late night chats like we used to when we were kids. In truth, had I lost to Phil, I would have shaken the bloke’s hand and said ‘well done mate’.

“That’s not to say I didn’t want to win. Or I am disrespecting the event because people do want to win.

“Who knows how many more I can win. I am just happy to set a target for some of the younger blokes.”

Window cleaner Harrison, 43, who gained a £2,500 consolation prize, added:” I was under the pressure from the break because I wasn’t getting a ball down.

“Mick was getting one every time so it makes the finishes more difficult.

“I held him for a little bit. Against Mick, you have got to hurt him and I wasn’t hurting him.

“But I am chuffed to get to get to the final because I have been poor all week.

“I am happy but I haven’t played very well. I’ve got a lot of window cleaning to do before next year but I will keep coming back.”