ARFAN Dad says he is excited to test himself against some of the country's best pool players on national TV from next season.
The Keighley potter is one of six chosen as Ultimate Pool professional players for the 2022 season after moving from the International Pool Association (IPA).
He will make his debut in the organisation's elite group at the Professional Cup. The event will be shown live on BT Sport from the last 32 onwards this Christmas.
Nicknamed 'The Daddy, he will also be showcased during next year's Professional Series and in the inaugural Professional Grand Slam, to be screened live on FreeSports TV.
Dad and the other five chosen players will join the 34 existing professionals from the 2021 season, which include fellow Keighley player Chris Melling.
But eight more professional players will join the ranks, who will earn their places after next month's Challenger Series.
Dad will also be competing in the professional category at the Ultimate Pool Grand Slam event in Newcastle-under-Lyme in February next year.
Dad, 38, says he cannot wait to get into action as one of the professionals.
He said: "I'm really excited. I think it's going to be good.
"It's going to get bigger, especially with BT Sport coming on-board. The sport has never been on a live mainstream sports channel before.
It's a real coup for the sport being shown on BT Sport
"The rules used by Ultimate Pool are slightly different. They use the international rule set that you see them playing in American and Chinese 8-ball. These rules promote the most entertaining style of play. The rules promote really clearing up.
"I have had a few chats with the Ultimate Pool organisers and they want to promote the game and raise the profile of the players. They want to give an insight into what the players are like off the table. They have a good vision.
"We are pretty talented as players, but we've not had that level of exposure before.
"A lot of content on pool has been shared on the social media groups in Keighley. The interest is growing in the sport.
"I'm hoping for more sponsors to come for me too.
"You can't just be a talented player in pool, you need to be strong mentally. You need to go into each tournament with a clear mind. I have got that more as I have got older."
It caps off a fine few months for Dad after he claimed his maiden World Rules Pool Tour title last month.
He managed to hang on to beat Josh Kane 8-7 in a thrilling final held in Daventry.
Dad will also compete in the last-16 knockout stages of the Ultimate Pool Pairs Cup with playing partner Craig Waddingham in the New Year after they won their group last month.
For more information on sponsoring Dad, tweet him at @ArfanDad83
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