Wingham Services Snooker Club president Geoff Cannon and club champion Barry Carlaw have joined forces with the aim of promoting snooker in the Manning Valley and encouraging new players to come on board.

Barry played exhibition matches in the 1970s and 80s with the greats of the game, Eddie Charlton and Alex Higgins. At those matches they had anywhere between 200 to 400 people come to watch.

Barry said that although they realise they can never achieve such exalted audience numbers, they do hope to revive the tradition of having an audience present, and invite anyone who wants to come and enjoy and the proceedings to do so.

They are optimistic the tournament will not only encourage new visitors to the Wingham Services Club, but also to Wingham itself.

"I have to congratulate the club for having the guts to stand and back the tournament," Barry said.

Bent on Food is also a sponsor, and Barry said that sponsorship from other local businesses would be gratefully accepted.

Because the Wingham Services Club only has two tables at this stage, the competition is limited to 24 players and is tightly scheduled, with matches taking place every two hours.

The top eight players in the competition will be seeded and there will be set handicaps so all entrants have the opportunity to win.

Entry is available by invitation to the top 24 eligible players in the Manning/Great Lakes area, with an entry fee of $30. All fees are to be distributed as prize money.

There are already 20 confirmed players and spots are filling fast so if you wish to compete you had better jump in fast.

For further information or enquiries contact Geoff Cannon on 0412 275 821 or Barry Carlaw on 0407 570 123.