Ticket sales up for Telford snooker UK Championship

Shropshire sports fans are going snooker loopy ahead of next month's UK Championship - with ticket sales 10 per cent up on the same stage last year.

Officials from World Snooker have revealed well over 2,000 tickets have been purchased for the prestigious event at Telford's International Centre from Saturday, December 4.

The final, on December 12, is already a virtual sell out but seats remain available for all other sessions. "We're really pleased with how tickets are selling so far," said World Snooker spokesman Ivan Hirschowitz. "Fans in Shropshire love their snooker."

Defending champion Ding Junhui and Ronnie O'Sullivan will be amongst the star names, while the event will mark John Higgins' return to ranking tournament action after his six month ban following match-fixing allegations.

Tickets are still available for O'Sullivan's first round match against a qualifier, to be played on December 5 and 6.

"The Rocket has won the UK Championship four times - more than any other ranking event - so he obviously loves it," added Hirschowitz.

"He has produced some magic moments including his 147 in the deciding frame of his semi-final against Mark Selby in Telford three years ago."

Tickets can be purchased by calling 01952 561700 or at www.world snooker.com/tickets