THE Fosters Golden Cue snooker tournament returns next month and it will be open to players from the Blackburn area for the very first time.

The Burnley-based competition, which was relaunched in 2008, is now established as one of the most popular events on the snooker calendar.

And the inclusion of players from across East Lancashire will intensify that interest with organiser Neil McGovern expecting a higher number of entrants.

The competition sees players battle it out on the small and large tables with the winners of each facing each other in the grand final at Ighten Leigh Snooker Club in May.

McGovern says opening the door to players for other areas will only add to the Golden Cue’s popularity - and he expects to top the 120 players who took part last year.

“We’ve spoken about it for a while but we have decided to open it up to players from outside the Burnley area,” said McGovern.

“There will be players coming over from Blackburn taking part this year which is great to see because it will add plenty of interest.

“We had around 120 players taking part last year and we are well on the way to passing that with entries still to come in.”

Simon Blackwell of British Rail Club is the reigning champion and will be looking to be the first player to successful defend his title.

Blackwell, who won the large table prize, beat small table winner Jimmy Waddington 4-2 in the grand final at a packed Ighten Leigh last year.

McGovern says both players will be among the front runners for this year’s prize but says Blackwell will be the man to beat.

However, he expects a challenge from the best of Blackburn with father and son, Tommy and Jonny Hannon, the most likely threat from down the M65.

But he says Blackwell is the man to beat.

“Simon is a very talented player, probably one of the best amateurs in the area,” added McGovern. “He plays a lot of pro-am competitions and has what it takes.

“No-one has defended the title so that is a great incentive for Simon. He is definitely up for it and was one of the first to enter this year.

“Simon is definitely one of the favourites for the title and probably the one to avoid in the first round.”

He added: “Jimmy Waddington, a former winner and last year’s runner-up, will be there or thereabouts and you can never rule out Russell Large. He has bags of experience and is a great player who won the last original Golden Cue title back in 1994.

“Of the lads coming over from Blackburn, then the Hannons, Tommy and Jonny, will pose a real threat.

“It is shaping up to be a great tournament this year.”

McGovern is overseeing the running of the competition alongside Andy Dibb, Kevin Catlow and Tony Arnott from the Skipton Snooker League. Deadline for entries is Friday, February 5 with the first round draw to take place soon after.

Anyone interested in entering can ring Neil McGovern on 07920 147147 or email him at neil.mcgovern@ntlworld.com for a entry form.