Jimmy White
Jimmy White is one of a host of stars appearing at this year's UK Seniors Snooker Championship in Hull.

Snooker stars return to Hull

The ROKiT UK Seniors Snooker Championship returns to the Bonus Arena this October with more of snooker’s greatest ever players battling it out to lift the crown.

Legends Jimmy White, Dennis Taylor, John Parrott and Cliff Thorburn have already confirmed, while Thailand legend James Wattana is a new face this year.

Qualifying events will be held in Belgium, Northampton, Jersey and Hull’s Tradewell Snooker Club, with the winner joining the stellar field of legends who will compete for a £10,000 winner’s prize.

Tickets go on sale tomorrow for all six sessions, which take place at 10am, 2.30pm and 7pm on Thursday 24 and Friday 25 October. Ticket prices start at £8 each.

Before the final on the 25 October, there will be the chance to meet all the players in a champagne reception.

Former World Champion Dennis Taylor.

Jason Francis, tournament organiser, said: “Last year, we committed to begin a journey to make Hull a Snooker City and bring a competitive tournament to an area with a great history of cue sports. The way the local people turned out, and the diversity of the people who travelled into Hull for the event, was incredible. At every session, our players were greeted by a large audience. All the players are excited at returning this year.”

Snooker legend Jimmy White said: “I couldn’t believe how many people turned out for the 10am sessions to cheer on the players. There’s nothing better than playing in front of a large knowledgeable crowd. The people of Hull know their snooker and we look forward to putting on another great show for them.”

Councillor Dave Craker, portfolio holder for leisure and tourism at Hull City Council, said: “It’s fantastic that the ROKiT UK Seniors Championship is returning to Hull and the Bonus Arena. Hull is a proud snooker city and the tournament was incredibly well-received last year, so I’m delighted that we are once again getting the chance to host such an important event on the snooker calendar.”

Dan Harris, general manager at the Bonus Arena, said: “Following a hugely successful first year of hosting the ROKiT UK Seniors Snooker, I am delighted the tournament will be returning this October. The community really embraced the snooker legends last year and we look forward to some more great matches which will again put Hull on the world snooker map.”

Tickets go on sale at 9am on Wednesday. Get tickets here.

Katherine Reekie, Specimen Creatura, 2013, at the Is This Planet Earth? exhibition at the Ferens.
Constable Street allotment off Hessle Road is a diverse community space.