Keighley’s Arfan Dad is looking forward to the prospect of playing a big tournament close to home.

Dad, the first Challenge Cup winner of the 2013 season, has entered the GB9 Northern Masters, which starts at Bradford’s Cedar Court Hotel on Friday.

“This third event of the season is one I’m really looking forward to for a couple of reasons,” he said.

“Firstly, it’s one that is almost on my doorstep with it being in Bradford. Secondly, the discipline is ten-ball, which I enjoy more than nine-ball.

“I prefer the call-shot rule, the different break-off shot and tougher run-outs which ten-ball brings to the mix.

“At last season’s Northern Masters, I achieved my best-ever finish in a main event by getting to the semis and losing to eventual winner Daryl Peach, so I’m hoping for something similar – if not better – this time around.”

This is the first time that a professional American pool event has been held in Yorkshire since November 2009, when the Northern Masters took place in Barnsley.

Dad apart, other Yorkshire contenders are Keighley’s Chris Melling, Pontefract’s Darren Appleton and Barnsley youngster Elliott Sanderson, while Peach is back to defend his title, which he achieved via a remarkable comeback against Shaun Storry.

Simon Gardner won Saturday’s qualifier at Bradford’s Cue Gardens.

The action begins at 5pm on Friday and will continue through to Sunday afternoon. There will be live streaming free of charge and spectator entry is also free.