POOL fans will go potty this week as the Embassy World Pool championship breaks off in Blackpool.

The Hilton Hotel is host the 8-ball tournament which is in its eighth anniversary year and organisers promise it will be bigger and better than ever before with the total amout of prizes totalling £41,500.

More players from more countries around the globe than ever before are queuing with their cues to take part in the Fylde Coast finals.

And the competition is hotter than ever with the two defending champions both back to battle it out on the baize to retain their titles.

Men's champion, Quinten Hann's reign as Embassy World 8-ball pool champion has been marked by a succession of peaks and troughs with, unfortunately for the controversial Australian, more lows than highs, especially in his other sport snooker.

After a torturous defeat by Ronnie O'Sullivan in the Regional Scottish Open he declared: "I hate this game with a passion and I don't care whether I win or lose."

Hann became the first overseas player to win pool's most coveted title when he defeated Yorkshireman Terry Hunt 11-8 in last year's final.

Starting as' favourite this year he has his eyes set on the top prize of £10,000. Ladies' champ, the UK's own Lisa Quick, has also caused controversy recently as she quit the more prosperous world of snooker feeling women were being ignored and has now totally committed herself to pool.

"Ladies snooker is going downhill fast," she said candidly.

"I've really become disillusioned with the way things are.

"We were led to believe there would be great improvements, but that hasn't happened."

Despite admitting her cue action is a bit rusty after three months travelling in Australia earlier this year, Lisa still fancies her chances at getting back to the top and snatching the £2,500 prize money.

The tournament runs from today (June 1) until June 10 and details of the session plus tickets are available by phoning the Hilton reception on (01253) 623434.