Seven of the country's top 10 players are competing in the Whitestone Classic tournament in Oamaru this weekend.
The tournament, on nine tables at the Oamaru Club and North Otago RSA clubrooms, has a field of 28.
Section play will start tonight and will continue throughout the weekend.
The quarterfinals and semifinals on Sunday will be contested over the best of five frames.
The final will be the best of seven frames.
Defending champion Danny Ryan, of Southland, will be up against some quality opponents in trying to retain his title.
Top seed is Gary Gillard, of Christchurch, while Mark Canovan, also of Christchurch, will be a big threat.
He is a three-time national champion and has won the Oamaru tournament six times.
The tournament is one of five this year which counts towards qualification for the world championships.
