The Lance Pannell Classic began in 1987and has become the longest running snooker tournament in the nation.
Every year the best players converge on The Yarraville Club. World and Australian champions have entered, and players have travelled halfway around the world to take part. Former World Champion Neil Robertson won the Lance Pannell Classic twice before going to England. It is not uncommon for as many as three-quarters of Australia’s Top 40 players to compete.
 

On the 2nd October, 2011, the Yarraville Club and Snooker & Billiards Community were saddened by the passing of Lance Pannell a true champion. Lance passed away on 2nd October, 2011 after a long illness. He was 87 years old. Players who were lucky enough to have known or played against Lance will remember his genial character, talent and the way he played the game.

This tournament has now been integrated into the "Pacific International" as the "Pacific International Snooker Championship". The event is held over a long weekend and attracts players from the UK and Asia. It is immediately followed by the Australian Billiards and the National Billiards.