The Blackburn And Darwen Individual Snooker League moves into the knockout stages this week when the first two quarter final ties are played.

Last night saw Tommy Hannan face the unbeaten Alfonso Bellusci and on Wednesday, Jimmy Brookens takes on Jonathon Wignall.

On Monday July 14, it’s Jonny Hannan against Lee Whittle and the last of the quarter finalists will be decided on Wednesday, July 16 when the wily veteran Andy Lancaster faces young hotshot Mark Slattery.

All the matches are the best of seven frames and will be played at Longshaw Sports And Social Club.

Start time is 8pm for all games.

Tournament organiser Tommy Hannan is thrilled at the response his idea has enjoyed.

He said: “I can’t thank everyone enough for their support.

“The team at Longshaw have been fantastic and our main sponsor Sovereign Snooker Services have been out of this world, installing a match grade table upstairs for the finals.

“The players themselves have responded magnificently and have all enjoyed their games win or lose. I’m confident we can make this an annual event on a par with Burnley’s Golden Cue tournament” said Tommy.

The final of the event is scheduled for Wednesday, July 25 and given the standard of snooker so far it’s promises to be a cracker whoever contests it.