Thirteen-year-old Toby Clack swept all before him - including boys more than a year his senior - to clinch the national under-15 eight-ball title in Tasmania last month.

The St Patrick’s College student said it was the pinnacle of his pool playing so far.

Supported by his dad Paul and mum Nicky, Toby picked off his rivals one by one over several days of the singles tournament, before racking up his overall victory on January 17.

In what was described as a “tremendous comeback” he defeated Queenslander Billy Browne 6-4 in the final in Launceston.

“To win was just incredible,” he told The Courier. “I loved the atmosphere and support - obviously it was very nerve-wracking, but it was just incredible to be able to play out there and win.”

He went one better than his last two appearances in the competition when he finished runner up and third.

Since taking up pool around three and half years ago, Toby has become a regular on the national and state championships. He has the Victoria eight-ball championships in his sights once again later this year, and hopes to go back to the nationals in 2020 when he will still be young enough to compete in the U-15 tournament.

“I find the time to fit in both my school work and my pool,” he said. “Pool is very important to me, and I try and push myself through practice as hard as I can.”

Toby is coached by his dad, also a notable pool player who represented Australia at competitions abroad. The pair have competed together in doubles competitions, finishing a respectable third in the state doubles championship last year. 

WATCH TOBY IN ACTION

Mr Clack says the best bit of coaching he has passed on to Toby was “to stay focused, and know you’ve never lost the game in any position.”

And Toby has nothing but praise for his father’s mentoring, saying: “He’s an excellent coach and we get on very well.”

Meanwhile, fellow Ballarat pool star Kolbe Poole was one of the nominees for the Ballarat Sportsperson of the Year award during the week.

While Poole did not take out the award, with javelin thrower Kathryn Mitchell taking the honours, Poole spoke of how proud she was to even be considered.

"It’s such an honour just to be nominated as a finalist; being acknowledged for your achievements, hard work and dedication, and to be afforded the opportunity to promote eight-ball to the wider sporting community," Poole said on social media.

Poole is Australia top ranked woman in eight ball and is ranked five in the world.