International eight-ball pool returns to Bradford this weekend with new sponsorship, bigger prize-money and a remit to make sure that the players are the centre of attention.

The Hilton Hotel stages the International Professional Pool Players’ Association’s (IPA) English Open, English Amateur and Professional Cup events from Friday until Sunday.

Players will be travelling from as far afield as South Africa, France and Malta to take on the best players from Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England and, with more than 100 competitors, the action will come thick and fast in one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.

Among the players to watch are No 1-ranked Gareth Hibbott – a recent tour winner – 2014 World Championship runner-up Clint I’Anson, the consistent Jimmy Croxton and Christophe Lambert, while best local hope is IPA chairman Kevin Barton. Admission is free and the end-of-season IPA awards will also be made on Friday (9pm-11pm).