12 months ago The Godfather Gareth Hibbott made history when he became the first player to win a 2nd World Singles crown – can he create yet more history as the only player to retain the title in 2025?
If he is to do so, he is going to have to come through what can only be described as the most stacked field in the events history, which means we are all in for an absolute blackball pool spectacular from the 18th – 23rd February for the 2025 IPA World Championships – without doubt the most prestigious event on the pool calendar.
Hibbott will go into the event as one of the favourites, but the challenges ahead are numerous, and include former champions Liam Dunster, Marc Farnsworth, Clint I’Anson, Craig Marsh & Ben Davies, who will all have their sights set firmly on the top prize of £15,000.
One of the great head scratchers for this event is the miserable record of the undisputed Pro Number One player Mark Boyle, who cannot seem to get past the Last 16 stage. A quite incredible fact based on the fact he is light years ahead of his nearest rival in the Pro rankings. Will 2025 finally see Mr Magic lift the coveted crown?
With the new influx of Professional players into the IPA ranks, Boyle’s task just became a little harder, with the likes of Scott Gillespie & Dave McNamara, plus Jake Newlove, Michael Rhodes & IPA Amateur Number one Geo Edgar. The draw is littered with incredible talent.
Could this years winner be one of those players who have been ‘knocking on the door’? Is it the turn of Dan Davy who had a superb 2024, can Dean Shields break his duck or can Cory Rees rediscover the form of a couple of years ago, or is it the turn of the youth and the likes of Kian Monaghan, who has already tasted World Championship success in the doubles?
There are many more players we could mention and it would not be a shock to see someone have a run at the title who we didn’t expect. All in all it promises to be well worth being glued to your mobile, tablet or tv as we watch the story unfold.
The Ladies event also promises to be very competitive.
Defending Champion Kiera Whitcombe is back to defend her crown she won in such dramatic fashion last year against Rhiannon Graham, and both players will again be in contention.
As is the case in the Open, the strength of the Ladies event has gone up a few notches, with Ireland’s multiple World Champion Emma Cunningham looking to get her hands on the trophy, but watch out for the experienced Shona Lucas to mount a challenge. Two time winner Deb Burchell will be looking to add to her tally and will definitely be one of the favourites and don’t be surprised to see the ever improving Tilly Edwards to be in with a shout after impressing in the latter stages of 2024.Can Kelly Egan finally deliver on the talent she undoubtedly possesses and keep an eye out for Kelly Denton – she is also very familiar to the winners circle.
And finally, Ladies Amateur Number one for 2024 Alexandra Cunha, a new addition to the Ladies Elite section for 2025, will be flying the flag for Portugal, aiming to become the first overseas winner of the event.
It all gears up to another mouthwatering tussle and all the action starts on the 18th February with the live streaming starting on the 20th, when the main seeds enter the competition
As is usual there are a plethora of additional events which will all be keenly contested – Open Doubles, Mixed Doubles, Seniors (over 40’s) and Masters (over 50’s) which will all come to a climax on the final day of action (23rd), to bring the 2025 edition of the IPA World Championships to a close.
You can catch all the action live on the IPA YouTube channel and Billiard TV from Thursday at 12pm, so set your alarms – you do not want to miss one minute from this fantastic event
Follow all the live scores and results at https://ipapool.com/2025-world-championships-score-centre/