AFTER AN EIGHT year absence, the UK Snooker Championship is returning to the York Barbican, with the action kicking off on Saturday 3rd December.
Telford has recently been the venue for the second-highest ranking event of the year, but the decision in April to bring the tournament back to York has generated great excitement around the city.
It is estimated the Championship could boost York’s economy by about £7.5 million, and this figure excludes additional spending in hotels and restaurants.
The decision to bring it back was straightforward enough; SMG Europe have done a terrific job in renovating the Barbican since early 2010 and currently have an excellent relationship with World Snooker Limited.
World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “The fans in York always generated a cracking atmosphere and no doubt they can’t wait for another chance to see the very best in the world in action. We’re looking forward to working with our partners in York and making it the home of the UK Championship once again.”
Also, the Fishergate ward community planning panel have stated: “This is excellent that the tournament is returning to our ward and it will do a lot to raise the profile of snooker within our city and bring money into our area as well.”
Television coverage of the event will be extensive; the BBC, Eurosport and Chinese broadcasters have contracts which mean an estimated 500 million viewers around the world will be watching.
Students will be able to get tickets for just £5 to see matches on the opening weekend. This is further evidence that snooker is trying to widen its audience to include the younger generation.
World number 3 John Higgins is the defending champion after beating Mark Williams 10-9 in last year’s epic final but Matthew Stevens, who defeated Stephen Hendry in the final, was the last player to win at the Barbican. World number 1 Mark Selby is the tournament favourite having won two ranking events this season, most recently the Shanghai Masters in September. 22-year old Judd Trump is also likely to have tremendous support, following his remarkable rise towards the World Championship final this May.