WEYMOUTH cue sports venue Snookes is set to stage the Weymouth Open pool competition this weekend.

The tournament, played under black ball rules, will see a maximum of 64 players battle it out on Saturday and Sunday for a £400 first prize.

After two qualification rounds, five groups of 10 players will contest a one-frame round-robin format, with the top three from each group, plus the highest-placed runner-up, making the last 16.

From there, the event becomes a knockout set-up with £50 on offer for losing quarter-finalists, £125 for beaten semi-finalists and £250 for the eventual runner-up.

Last season’s winner, Charlie McKinlay, is back to defend his title. Joining him in the field is 2017 runner-up Steve Coles, while players from across the country are expected to attend.

Snookes’ owner Austin Wainwright told Echosport the event had been modified in recent years to attract all types of player.

He said: “Each year people come from up the country to enter and we have tweaked it so it’s fair for all standards. There are still a few spots available.

“It’s a good atmosphere and we’ll be streaming the latter events on our Facebook live feed, so we expect 200-plus people going on to watch the final.

“We hope it’s someone local that wins or someone that doesn’t play often does go well and wins the way the format is. It’s good for Weymouth and Weymouth pool and people ask when it’s on – it’s a really good event.”

n Entry costs £20. Contact Snookes on 01305 788593 for more details.