Monday 15th Feb marks the beginning of the week long Welsh Open Snooker Championship. Returning once more to Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena for a second year, having previously been held in Newport, the snooker exhibition is a testament to the strong Welsh links intertwined within the sport, from active players like Mark Williams and Michael White, to legends like Ray Reardon and Terry Griffiths. This long standing tradition is only boosted by the duration of the tournament. Started in 1992, it is the longest running ranked event on the snooker calendar other than the coveted World and UK Championships. Entering its twenty-fifth year, the competition remains just as relevant as when it began, able to lift a player to recognition or cause them concerns in the build up to the championships. Starting with 128 players, the ranking event slowly whittles down the roster, with both favourites and underdogs falling victim to the skilled manoeuvres on the green cloth. Anything can happen as the competition progresses, with Ronnie O’Sullivan crashing out in the Last 32 stage last year, having won it in the previous year. The reigning champion with four Welsh Open Titles, including one in 2015 where he beat Woollaston 9–3, John Higgins will be looking to retain his title, despite his inferior ranking to the likes of Mark Selby, Stuart Bingham and Neil Robertson.
Regardless of whether you’re an avid snooker fan or are just intrigued by the coveted concept of the “147”, the tournament is a great opportunity to witness some of the world’s best players battle it out on the table. Offering two types of tickets, one for all-day and another for sessions, as well as choices for which individual days you want to attend, there are options for everyone. With a total prize fund of £324,000 available, including £60,000 for the winner, it isn’t only pride at stake for the players as they chalk their cues for another year in the Welsh capital.
Welsh Open Snooker, Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Mon 15 Feb – Sun 21 Feb. Tickets: All-Day £12-£45, Sessions £8-£26. Info: http://www.worldsnooker.com
words CONOR KNIGHT, photos Konstmat, Pete