WORLD CHAMPION Pool player Chris Melling was asked for his autograph this week -- by showbiz superstar Robbie Williams.

Chris, who won the Embassy World 8-Ball Pool championship late last year has seen his career take off, but nothing could prepare him for the call which came out of the blue.

"There was a message left on my answer machine saying Robbie Williams wanted my autograph but I ignored it, I just thought it was one of my mates winding me up," Chris told KN Sport.

"There was another message asking me to ring the BBC and finally Robbie's manager left her phone number -- I couldn't believe it."

The recording star with a string of No1 hits as a solo artist and with Take That comes from Stoke on Trent and is a big sports fan. He supports Port Vale football club, but is also keen on snooker and pool and has been following the Keighley player's rising career via satelite TV.

"His agent told me Robbie is a really big fan and has videos of all the tournaments I have been in.

"Apparently he loves playing pool and wanted an autographed photograph from me.

"I'm still stunned. Robbie will be asked for his autograph all the time, but I still find it amazing that he wants a picture of a lad from Keighley."

Chris has just been crowned UK Trick Shot Champion, taking the title by one point. The competition was judged on technical ability and entertainment value.

He came close to a maximum for technical merit as he slotted trick shot after trick shot and followed up with 28 out of 40 for entertainment value.

"Perhaps if I give Robbie a few tips on his pool playing he will be able to help me get a few higher marks as an entertainer," Chris said.