CINDERFORD’S Zak Shepherd finished 17th in the biggest pool tournament in the world more than 5,000 miles from home.

Shepherd competed in the World Chinese Eight Ball Masters at the Qinhuangdao Olympic Stadium in China, having been invited as one of 32 international players.

In a pool of 64 competitors with the top 32 Chinese ranked players, 23-year-old Shepherd battled in a double elimination tournament, which allowed players to lose one match and stay in the competition.

A second loss, however, ensured elimination.

Each match was decided on the best 25, over 140 minutes, meaning if a player won if they reached 13 or if the time limit expired with them leading.

Shepherd lost his first mach to Liu Xia, the 19th ranked Chinese competitor by 13-7, but struck back against South African number two Velly Diamond by the same score.

A tight game followed against Chinese ninth seed Li Exinpung, as he eventually won 13-12, before gaining revenge on Liu Xia with a 13-8 win.

But Shepherd was then eliminated by Dennis Grabe of Estonia, losing 9-7 as time expired.

“I left for china on the January 6 and the tournament started on January 10,” Shepherd said.

“It was key for me to have a few days to practice and get used to the conditions in China.

“I had not before this event played the cuesport of Chinese eight ball, but it’s a hybrid of all three cuesports snooker, American pool and English pool.

“From finishing so high In this event I have been invited to the World Championship back in China in March.

“It’s the biggest tournament in the world at the moment and I can’t believe I came 17th. I’m chuffed.”

The event was won by England’s Gareth Potts, who won the final in a dramatic blackball shoot-out after time expired with the scores tied.