York Barbican loses snooker’s UK Championship, for one year only - Barry Hearn

Barry Hearn has promised the UK Championship will return to Yorkshire in 2021 after being forced to change venues for this month’s tournament.
Ding Junhui: Won last year’s UK Championship at York’s Barbican Theatre.Ding Junhui: Won last year’s UK Championship at York’s Barbican Theatre.
Ding Junhui: Won last year’s UK Championship at York’s Barbican Theatre.

The event – one of the sport’s Triple Crown tournaments – has been staged at the York Barbican since 2011.

But due to Covid-19 regulations, the UK finals – which runs from November 23 to December 6 – will be staged behind closed doors at Milton Keynes’ Marshall Arena, which has an on-site hotel.

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WST chairman Hearn said: “We are disappointed not to be going to York Barbican for the Betway UK Championship this year because it is a fantastic venue in a wonderful city.

Stephen Maguire and Ding Junhui during day twelve of the Betway UK Championship at the York Barbican. (PIctures: Richard Sellers/PA Wire)Stephen Maguire and Ding Junhui during day twelve of the Betway UK Championship at the York Barbican. (PIctures: Richard Sellers/PA Wire)
Stephen Maguire and Ding Junhui during day twelve of the Betway UK Championship at the York Barbican. (PIctures: Richard Sellers/PA Wire)

“The people of York can rest assured that we fully intend to be back in York next year and in fact we have already agreed dates for 2021 and 2022 with the venue.

“Following extensive consultation with the UK Government and the relevant public health bodies, the decision has been made to stage all matches in Milton Keynes this time.

“It is an ideal venue, we are working with an exceptional team there and we have proved over the past few months that we can stage major tournaments there, involving 128 players, safely and successfully.

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“In the circumstances we face today, our objective is to keep our events going, provide competitive action and prize money for our players, and top class sport for the many millions of television viewers around the world who are in need of inspiration.

“We look forward to working with all our partners on delivering a tournament of the highest quality.”

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