PRESTON is to play host to its biggest ever pool tournament - and a local lad is tipped for the title.

Mike Crosedale, landlord of The Deepdale Hotel, has arranged a professional and pro-am tournament this weekend and son Andy, pictured, more than fancies his chances - he won the European pool championship earlier in the year.

Mike said: "I felt I could organise an event in Preston after seeing my son play in others around the country.

"The response has been nothing short of fantastic. We have 24 or 25 players in the pro tournament including some from France, Scotland and Ireland.

"At the same time, we will host a pro-am tournament for 64 players, including all of the professionals and amateurs from around the UK.

"This tournament is a first for the town and there will be an excellent standard of pool on show."

Red Rose Leisure and Central Lancashire Taxis, Fylde Road, have sponsored the event, which will feature ex-World Champion Ross McInnes from Scotland, Pat O'Kane and Steve Sanders from London and Ronin McCarthy from Ireland.

So does Mike think that his tournament will be one to compete with Preston's snooker Grand Prix contests?

"It's on a far smaller scale than the snooker," Mike said, "and pool has unfortunately always been the poor relation of cue sports.

"It's a shame because there are more pool tables and players in the UK than there are snooker players and tables.

"It will be very popular and the place will be packed out though."

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