Fans left snookered for 2018 Crucible tickets

The 2018 finals went on sale on the concluding day of this year's event last Monday, and tickets completely sold out within 24 hours for the 17 days of next year's Crucible bonanza.

Fans from all over the world make the pilgrimage to Sheffield each year for the sport's biggest tournament. And demand for tickets has now reached an all-time high.

A surge of interest in snooker during the event also led to significantly increased sales in other tournaments.

Demand has also been high for the Betway UK Championship at the York Barbican, from November 28 to December 10, and tickets for the final session on Sunday December 10 have virtually sold out.

In addition, all seats have also been snapped up for the last session of the 2018 Dafabet Masters at Alexandra Palace in London, which runs from January 14 to 21.

There are still tickets available for the afternoon sessions of the UK Championship and Masters finals, as well as earlier rounds, but fans must book quickly as they are expected to sell out soon.

A World Snooker spokesman said: "We've just finished our best ever season in terms of ticket sales, with all records broken, and it looks like next season is going to smash those records again.

"Our World Championship sales over the past few days have been extraordinary, with the entire event now sold out. Snooker is growing rapidly as a global sport in terms of our viewing figures, number of events and prize money, and it's fantastic to see the enthusiasm of fans who want to see their heroes in action live.

"The message is clear to anyone who wants a place in the arena at any of our tournaments - book fast or risk missing out!"

For details of current availability see www.worldsnooker.com/tickets