JASON Twist has become Embassy World 8-Ball Pool champion for the first time after the most dramatic final in the eight year history of the £41,000 tournament.

The 32-year-old from Ilfracombe, who knocked out holder Quinten Hann in the semi-finals, captured the £10,000 winners' cheque with a nailbiting 11-10 success over 1998 champion Carl Morris at Blackpool's Hilton Hotel.

Fifth seed Twist came from 4-0 and 6-2 down to add the world crown to his Home International and European titles all won in the last nine months.

"Jason deserves it because he's simply been the best player in the world," said sporting Morris who was just one ball from victory in the decider.

But the heartbroken Kent professional, who had also been 10-8 in arrears, played a poor positional shot to reach the eight-ball and Devonian Twist cleared, making amends for his 1995 final defeat.

"I thought I'd blown my chance again," confessed the relieved England international who earlier in the day helped his country once again win the team championship.

"I missed a red to let Carl back in and I didn't expect to get another shot. Fortunately for me I did but I was shaking like a leaf at the end.

"To win the World, European and Home International titles in the last nine months is just unbelievable. I've put in a lot of hard practice and I've had more self belief in myself.

"But I've still got to pinch myself that it's all true."

"I keep replaying that last shot over and over in my mind," groaned Morris, whose near miss was worth a consolation prize of £5,000.

"But I'll be back next year to have another go." Scottish international Sue Thompson won her third Embassy ladies title with an 8-5 victory over Linda Leadbitter, rallying from 4-1 down to deprive her Kettering rival of a fifth Embassy crown.

Thompson's participation in the event had been in doubt because of health problems throughout the year.

But her form improved as the tournament went on.

"I never thought I would be standing here with the trophy," said the popular player.

Leadbitter squandered chances to press home her early advantage and said later: "I was disappointed to be only 4-3 up at the interval. It should at least have been 5-2.

"And if you don't take your chances against someone like Sue she will punish you in the end."

England's men, managed by Morris's father Jim, defeated Australia 11-6 in the team final with Cambridgeshire cueman Phil Harrison gaining the winning frame.

Like Twist, England have captured all three of pool's major titles in the last nine months.

Result: Men's final: Jason Twist (England) bt Carl Morris (England) 11-10 Ladies final: Sue Thompson (Scotland) bt Linda Leadbitter (England) 8-5 Men's final: England bt Australia 11-6.