The world’s top-ranked pool players are set to come together in the first-ever English eight-ball pool tournament of its kind which will be held in the North East.
The King of Kitt’s competition has been launched by Martin Rogers, owner of Kitt’s Pool Room and Bar, at Durham’s Riverwalk.
The competition, which takes place from December 8 to 10, has attracted some of the biggest professional players in the sport, including the current World Champion of the IPA (International Pool Association), Clint I’Anson and the former World Doubles Champion, Wade ‘The Blade’ Morley.
Martin, who only launched Kitt’s seven months ago, said: “We have a hugely talented selection of players ranging from professionals and amateurs from past and present from both the IPA and Ultimate Pool Tours, as well as a few local club champions.
“To have an event like this held in the North East is unheard of – and to be hosting it at Kitt’s is not only a dream come true but a testament to what we have created; a cracking pool hall in the city that is attracting players from all over the country.”
Other big names in the sport who are participating include, Brian ‘Buzzer’ Halcrow, from South Shields, who currently holds the World Record for Ultimate Pool’s Six Red Shoot Out, which he achieved in 15.09 seconds. Gav ‘The Rocket’ Robinson, from Coundon, in Durham, who is ranked Number 10 in the World by the IPA will also be battling it out.
As well as professionals from all over the UK, King of Kitt’s will also see local amateurs taking part in the competition, which has a prize pot of £8,000. The winner will scoop £4,000 while second place will receive £2,000 and two runners-up will each get £1,000.
“I am ecstatic,” said Martin. “It was always my dream to run events of this scale. It’s unbelievable that these guys are playing at Kitt’s in Durham. The response has been phenomenal, and the event is expected to be the biggest outside of a professional tour event that the UK has seen,” he added.
Kitt’s pool room and bar will be modified to accommodate an arena-style set-up for the tournament, which will be judged by professional referees Brian Moss and Michael Best.
The event will be live-streamed by Behind The Baulk Line to Kitt’s Facebook page with live commentary by Marin Redhead and guest commentators such as Kev Teasdale - who also hosts The Cue Club podcast - throughout the weekend.
Professional player, Wade ‘The Blade’ Morley, from Hartlepool, said: “It’s great for the North East as you have some of the world’s best players and record holders attending. These are elite players and household names in the pool community.
“Outside the professional tours, this is the biggest event of the year. It's extremely prestigious and Martin is doing a fantastic job with the club and organising it. Hopefully, there will be more events like this to come,” added Wade, who played on BBC Red Button back in 2021 when he won the World Doubles.
Martin, who named Kitt’s after his belated grandad, added: “The standard is going to be unreal and the event itself will put the North East on the pool-playing map. I know my grandad would be super proud of what we have achieved.”
The event, which is free for spectators to attend, kicks off at 6pm on December 8th with the semi-finals and the grand final being held on Sunday, December 10th.
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