York extend deal to host UK event at Barbican

Snooker’s second-biggest tournament returned to York in December last year after five years away from Yorkshire.

Record ticket sales impressed World Snooker chiefs and the Yorkshire Post exclusively revealed after last year’s tournament that the UK Championship was set to return in 2012. World Snooker have now agreed a deal with SMG Europe, who manage and operate the venue, to keep the £650,000 event in York until at least 2013.

World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn added: “Our decision to take the UK Championship back to York last season was inspired.

“There is a huge amount of enthusiasm for snooker in York and the surrounding area and the top players love the Barbican. We’re delighted to sign this deal for the next two years and are looking forward to December.”

It means snooker’s two biggest tournaments are based in Yorkshire, and SMG Europe’s James Allen said: “We’re delighted the UK Championship is returning. After an absence of five years, the support shown by the people of York has been nothing short of exceptional, as witnessed by the record-breaking ticket sales.

“We are now building on the success of our partnership with World Snooker to position the York UK Championship as one of the highlights on the national sporting calendar for 2012 and beyond.”

The Barbican is a popular venue with the players, and last year’s winner Judd Trump is relishing a return.

“I’m really pleased that the UK Championship is going back to York,” said Trump. “I thought the atmosphere there last year was amazing and it helped inspire me. There are a lot of snooker fans in and around York and I’m sure they’ll be back this year to support the best players.”