TWO snooker pals are becoming familiar with each other’s playing style in what could become the longest match ever played.

Regular opponents and friendly rivals Phillip Marshall, from Consett, and Kevin Teasdale, from Gilesgate, Durham, are in the midst of a world record 100-hour snooker playing marathon bid.

Having broken at the start of their first frame at 4pm on Wednesday, they hope to play continuously on the main match table at the Supa Snooker club, in Consett, until 8pm on Sunday.

Under the watch of independent scrutineers, who observe for four-hour shifts each, the playing duo are allowed only a five minute break from the baize each hour.

Mr Marshall, who is trying to regain the record he first set four years ago, said it is much a battle of endurance and fighting the effects of drowsiness as trying to outscore his opponent.

“I find I can just about get over the sleep deprivation, even though it’s massively challenging, but standing on your feet so much puts pressure on your back.

“That’s what hurt the most last time.”

He beat the old record of 50 hours by 15 hours with his then opponent, Ross Terrington, at the same club in 2013, but it has since been extended to 85 hours.

Should he and Mr Teasdale complete their 100-hour challenge it will increase the record once more by 15 hours.

Although he considers his opponent the better player, Mr Marshall was holding his own, despite quickly going 5-1 down, in the opening 90-minutes.

Approaching a fifth of the way through he held a narrow single frame lead, at 42 - 41, but he expects many twists and turns to come.

They are raising money along the way to be split between The Activity Den, in Consett, The Northern Brainwave Appeal, St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham, and Diabetes UK.

Anyone willing to make a donation should visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/100hoursnookermarathon@gmail.com.