Top flight snooker returns

Shropshire snooker fans are celebrating after one of the UK’s most prestigious tournaments has confirmed it will return to Telford. The event has been held at The International Centre since 2007 and this year’s tournament will be the fourth consecutive year at the venue. Tom Gray, Chief Executive of the Southwater Event Group (which owns the International Centre), said his team were thrilled with the news. “We are delighted that our venue has been chosen once again to host one of the most prestigious events in the snooker calendar, and it’s also a real boost for Telford and the wider Shropshire area." Tournament organisers, World Snooker, said they were very happy to return to the Telford venue. “We’re pleased to confirm that we are coming back to The International Centre in December for the UK Championship. “It’s proved to be an excellent venue for one of our biggest tournaments over the past three years, and very popular with our players. “No doubt the fans in the Telford and Shropshire region will be out in force once again to watch their heroes in action.” The 2009 event, won by Ding Junhui, attracted over 5,000 visitors and was watched by a television audience of millions. Details on ticket sales will be released in the next few weeks once the arrangements have been confirmed.