Farnsworth and Hibbott among potting stars in Coral IPA British Pool Open 2016

Coral IPA British Open breaks off

Perhaps the most important season in the history of the sport of pool comes to an end this weekend at the Hilton Brighton Metropole, with the Coral sponsored IPA British Open starting Friday morning and running through to a conclusion on Sunday evening.

As always, three separate blackball tournaments (it’s the rule set recognised by the IOC) take place with the Professional, Amateur, and Open events and £13,000 in prize money up for grabs. As many would expect, the top players in the world are in attendance and looking to show off their skills to their fellow players.

Add a watching audience (free entry to all) and the worldwide industry leading livestream, that now gets through to well over one hundred countries, pool is clearly on the up with the IPA and their players leading the way. Customers can view the action in HD and for free via the Coral website!

Described by some as ‘snooker for the people’, it’s the sport we have all tried down the pub or club, involving reds, yellows, and a black, and really is a sleeping giant.

With millions of players around the country, something tour sponsor Coral have recognised, they will kindly be sending some of their representatives down with giveaways to hand out. So, if you are down on the south coast for any reason, feel free to pop in and grab one if you want.

Farnsworth and Hibbott star on table

As for the players, it really does read like a who’s who of pool. Rankings leader Marc Farnsworth, the Open favourite at odds of 5/1, is just a point ahead of Clint I’Anson (6/1). Then we have current world champion Gareth Hibbott at 8/1, though both Craig Marsh (10/1) and Jordan Shepherd (10/1) are in red-hot form and cannot be easily discounted.