Manchester to host snooker’s English Open

WORLD Snooker’s English Open  will be staged at EventCity in Manchester later this year.

The world ranking tournament, part of the new Home Nations series, will feature many of the sport’s top players competing for a top prize of £70,000.

There is a £1m bonus if a player wins all four events in the Home Nations series – English Open, Irish Open, Scottish Open and Welsh Open.

The English Open, which  runs from 10 -16 October, will feature 128 of the world’s leading players, in a flat draw with all players starting in the first round.

World Snooker press officer Ivan Hirschowitz said: “After hosting the Players Championship at EventCity earlier this year, we have no doubt that the venue is well suited to host a full world ranking event.

“The English Open will be an even bigger event, part of the new Home Nations series. We know there’s a lot of support for snooker in Manchester and the surrounding area so we’re confident that the chance to see so many of the world’s top snooker stars will attract strong crowds throughout the week.

“Manchester has a fantastic reputation for staging top class sporting events and I’m sure the fans will be out in force to see the leading green baize giants competing for this coveted prize.”

Andy Orr, managing director at EventCity, said: “We’re thrilled to have been chosen as the venue for the Home Nations English Open. This is the start of a major event in the snooker industry.

“As the second largest and most flexible event space out of London with world-class facilities, EventCity is helping Manchester become a first choice on the global sports and events scene.”