Fans in waiting game over attendance to UK Snooker Championship at York Barbican

Snooker fans will have to wait to see if they will be allowed to attend the UK Championship in York.
By Richard Hercock
Published 7th Oct 2020, 11:59 BST
Stephen Maguire and Ding Junhui handshake before the final of last year's UK Championship at the York Barbican. PA Photo. Picture: Richard Sellers/PAStephen Maguire and Ding Junhui handshake before the final of last year's UK Championship at the York Barbican. PA Photo. Picture: Richard Sellers/PA
Stephen Maguire and Ding Junhui handshake before the final of last year's UK Championship at the York Barbican. PA Photo. Picture: Richard Sellers/PA

A limited number of spectators watched the World Championship final at the Crucible in September but a rise in Covid-19 cases has brought a halt to sporting crowds.

While the UK Championship will remain at the York Barbican, in order to follow Government rules on social distancing, the first round will be played at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes from November 23 to 26.

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The second round onwards will be held at the Barbican from November 28 to December 6.

WST chairman Barry Hearn (right) congratulates Stuart Bingham on winning the Masters on day eight of the 2020 Dafabet Masters in January this year. Picture: Steven Paston/PAWST chairman Barry Hearn (right) congratulates Stuart Bingham on winning the Masters on day eight of the 2020 Dafabet Masters in January this year. Picture: Steven Paston/PA
WST chairman Barry Hearn (right) congratulates Stuart Bingham on winning the Masters on day eight of the 2020 Dafabet Masters in January this year. Picture: Steven Paston/PA

A world Snooker Tour statement said: “The decision as to whether an audience will be allowed at the Barbican has not yet been made.

“WST will inform ticket holders as soon as plans have been finalised.”

A provisional calendar for the second half of the snooker season has been announced, with the potential for another 11 events next year.

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No tournaments have been inked in for China, but WST hope to stage three back-to-back events in March.

The season concludes with the Betfred World Championship in Sheffield, bringing the total number of tournaments in the 2020/21 season to potentially 19 events.

WST Chairman Barry Hearn said: “We are delighted to release a packed calendar for the second half of this season.

“In these difficult times we are working relentlessly to keep our tour going.

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“We realise the importance of providing competitive opportunities for the players and live snooker for our many millions of viewers globally.

“We will continue to explore all avenues in terms of staging events and providing access for live fans, while keeping health and safety as our top priority.”

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Related topics:YorkBarry HearnMilton KeynesChina

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