Snooker's Welsh Open world ranking event returns to the Newport Centre early next year, with a brand new format.
The best snooker players on the planet will head to the city in South Wales for the £300,000 tournament which runs from February 19 to March 2, 2014.
This season, World Snooker has introduced a new format for ranking events, with all 128 players to start in the same round. Established stars like Ronnie O'Sullivan, Judd Trump, John Higgins, Mark Selby, home favourite Mark Williams and defending champion Stephen Maguire will all be eligible to enter the event and could face against up-and-coming rookies in the first round.
This means that the tournament is four days longer than usual and fans will have the chance to see many more players in action, with a multi-table layout at the Newport Centre in the early stages. BBC Wales television coverage will start in the second week, so in the early stages, the only way to see the action is to come to the Newport Centre and watch it live!
Tickets for the tournament are ON SALE NOW and fans are strongly advised to book early as many sessions are expected to sell out quickly. There are two incredible offers available:
HALF PRICE adult session tickets for just £5 between Monday February 24 and Thursday February 27. This opening offer is for a limited time so take advantage now!
PASSPORT TICKET - come to any three individual sessions between Wednesday February 19 and Friday February 28 for just £21.
For full details call 01633 656 757 or visit www.newport.gov.uk/
A spokesman for World Snooker said: "These are exciting times for our sport as we make revolutionary changes to the format of ranking events.
"Above all, it's fantastic news for the fans as we'll be bringing 128 of the world's leading players to Newport, including legends of the baize and rising stars. We know how much support there is for snooker in the
Newport area and fans will have the chance to see many more matches over a longer event. And the value for money of tickets is astonishing, especially when compared to other leading sports."
Last year's final was a gripping battle as Maguire edged out Stuart Bingham 9-8 in a dramatic deciding frame.
Total prize money for the event has been increased from £250,000 to £300,000, with the winner to receive £60,000 instead of £50,000.
The Welsh Open is supported by Newport City Council.
