IPA World Champs fast approaching

We take a look at the upcoming IPA World Championships from Bradford ahead of the tournament’s start on Tuesday…

The end of January is nearly upon us and that means the best cueists in the World of pool will descend on Yorkshire for the IPA World Pool Championships from the Bradford Hotel in Hall Ings at the end of January and in to early February. Entries were closed on Friday 20^th January, with many amateurs putting their name forward for a chance to be crowned champion, and with a random draw, anything could happen (that is the beauty of this game).

For those unfamiliar with the tournament, the IPA play to the IOC recognised Blackball rule set, the more attack minded fast flowing version that really encourages aggressive play from the break onwards, and makes for a more entertaining spectacle for the spectators both in the venue (free entry all week) and those watching on the HD live stream www.ipapool.com which is also free to air.

Leading bookmaker Coral continue to support the IPA and will be betting on the event as time allows with an overall market to be formed as soon as final entries are made (I am willing to bet that Marc Farnsworth heads the opening market), and they also hope to bet on individual matches that appear on the livestream on a daily basis, depending on their other sporting commitments.  With a record entry of 176 for the Open and counting, as well as 36 for the Ladies and players from as far afield as Belgium, Norway, France, Hungary and even Iraq it truly is a genuine World Championship worthy of the name and if you can find the winners they seem sure to start at a rewarding price.

Back to the pool and last year the ever-reliable Gareth Hibbott took the title for the first time, and will be one of the favourites now despite the added pressure of attempting to retain his crown. Naturally, there will be a long list of very serious rivals including rankings leader Marc Farnsworth, 2015 Champion Jack Whelan, Seniors Champion Jason Twist (who will also be defending his Seniors title) Welsh Wizards Craig Marsh and Simon Ward, Clint I’Anson, Ronan McCarthy, Dan Davy, – the list of top players is endless, and pool fans are in for a rare treat over the six days of intense competition.