Breaking news: UK Championship to return to Yorkshire

Snooker’s UK Championship will return to the York Barbican after a five-year break, writes Richard Hercock.

By The Newsroom

Published 26th Apr 2011, 13:44 BST

The sport’s second biggest tournament has been held in Telford since 2007, but will now return to York after a £2m revamp of the city venue.

The Barbican deal was described by Barry Hearn as “an initial one”, but he stressed: “This is a long-term commitment, it’s not a quick date, it’s a marriage.

“These are just initial deals now, but they are going to be extended, because I have no reason to think we won’t be there for the next several years.”

Paula Wilson, marketing manager at York Barbican, added: “We are thrilled. We really wanted snooker to come back to the Barbican, that was one of our main aims. It’s fantastic we have been able to secure it for the people of York.”

For more details, read Wednesday’s Yorkshire Post newspaper.