The 2008 World Professional Billiards Championship will take place at the Northern Snooker Centre in Leeds from July 23-27.

Entries are now being accepted for the tournament, which will offer a total prize fund of £18,300.

The event is open to all billiard members of the WPBSA and entry packs will be issued in the next few days. Any non-members wishing to enter must first join the WPBSA as a billiards member (for details on membership call 0117 317 8207). Closing date for entries is Friday 16 May 2008 and the entry fee is £100.

Mike Russell from Peterborough, the outstanding player of the modern era, won the tournament last year, beating Chris Shutt in the final to land his ninth world title.

Running alongside the professional event will be the Northern Snooker Centre Open 2008, organised by the English Amateur Billiards Association (EABA). The professional group losers will compete against top invited amateur players. The Open will run from July 25-27 2008 and has a total prize fund of £1,000.

Spectators are welcome with free entry from 23-25 July, £5 on 26 July and £10 on 27 July. Tickets are available from the Northern Snooker Centre (0113 243 3015).

Contact: Ivan Hirschowitz, World Snooker media office, 07766 656133 World Snooker