DOMINIC Barrett admits he is still coming to terms with his new world champion status.

The 28-year-old, who grew up in Walton but is now based in Colchester, won tenpin bowling’s Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) World Championship in America.

He bowled over his rivals to be the cream of the crop, in the process scooping a cool $50,000.

And he admits he still cannot believe what happened in Las Vegas.

“It’s still sinking in, to be honest,” said former Tendring Technology College student Barrett.

“What with jet-lag as well, everything seems a bit surreal at the moment.

“Of course it’s a great feeling, though.

“I was very happy with the way I bowled and felt I was consistent throughout.

“Other finals can effectively be a bit of a sprint, but this competition is more of a marathon because it’s held over two weeks.

“Thankfully, I managed to bowl the best in that time and led from the first day.”

England international Barrett beat American PBA player-of-the-year Sean Rash 238-235 to claim the honours in Vegas.

In doing so he became the first Englishman to win a professional tour major and a top prize of $50,000.

Barrett qualified as top seed over five tournaments held in a week, over five different lane patterns.

He flew back to Essex on Tuesday afternoon and now has three weeks at home, before heading out to another tournament in Abu Dhabi.

“I really enjoy taking part in all the different competitions,” he said.

“I’m not so keen on spending hours on a plane, living in hotels and out of a suitcase, as any professional sportsperson would probably say.

“But it’s an amazing lifestyle competing in events across the world and I’m very thankful that my family are so supportive.”

Barrett, who turned professional in 2007, still owns the Pro Shop at Madison Heights tenpin bowling centre, in Maldon.

He has enjoyed phenomenal success down the years, having been named world bowler of the year in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

He has also won one PBA title, one regional PBA title and twice won the European Bowling Tour rankings, in 2010 and 2012.

Other successes include winning the World Tenpin Masters series and seven European titles.