Chris Coumbe, Barry Russell and Steve Brookshaw

Steve Brookshaw, Chris Coumbe and Barry Russell will join a top class international field at the World Billiards Championship in Leeds later this month.

The three city players received direct nominations into the game’s premier event, which takes place at the Northern Snooker Centre from October 22 to 26, after good results on the World Billiards circuit last season.

The World Championship is being played over the timed-game format with countries represented expected to include England, Scotland, Ireland, Austria, Canada, India and Singapore among others.

Brookshaw’s best performances last season included last eight appearances at the UK, British and Scottish Open events, with Russell enjoying similar success in the latter.

Coumbe finished last season strongly gaining a last eight slot in the European Open in Ireland, while both Coumbe and Russell reached this stage at the NSC Open in August.

Their trip to Leeds also includes the Jim Williamson Memorial Open at the same venue, which acts as a warm-up to the main event.