The Isle of Man is hosting the final round of a prestigious pool competition in Douglas this weekend.

The last event of the 2021 International Pool Association (IPA) Tour breaks off at the Palace Hotel and Casino this morning (Friday) and continues until Sunday evening.

The four-round IPA Tour began at the European Open in Coventry at the end of July/start of August, prior to the UK Open in Newcastle and British Open in Bournemouth in September and October respectively.

The Isle of Man leg of the competition will be screened on the BBC Red Button service, ensuring the event can be watched all around the world either live or on demand.

There will be four different trophies up for grabs at the Palace over the three days: the international professional headline event, plus the open, amateur and women’s competitions.

No fewer than 27 local players will fly the flag for the Isle of Man, led by the island’s first IPA professional pool player Dave Addinall who gets his international open action underway at 8pm on Saturday evening.

Other locals taking part are as follows: Andy Kneale, Andy Wynne-Smythe, Alan coventry, Cameron Davies, Chris Dagnall, David Hill, David McVeigh, Jason Gaines, John Kennish, Steven Rhodes, Ian Caines, Rob Callister, Nicola Young, Teresa Evans, John Craine, Luke Eastaff, Garry Christian, Nick Stephens, Tommy Miller, Sean Corkish, Paul Buchan, Danny Russett, Graham Bates, Jenny O’Loughlin, Jonny Hogg and Pete Crellin.

The international professional event is the main event, while the open competition sees both the professionals and amateurs do battle in one large draw.

In the amateur contest players battle it out for the chance to amass enough ranking points to be invited to turn professional next year as well as the prize money, while the standard of play in the women’s competition just keeps getting better and better.

Follow the action on the BBC or via the IPA’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube social media channels.

l Report to follow in a future edition.