Snooker extravaganza tickets on sale

Ronnie O'Sullivan in action at Telford" class="imageframe alignright" height="130" src="http://www.shropshirestar.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/ronnie.jpg" width="175"/>Snooker fans across Shropshire have the chance to book their place to watch the world's leading stars do battle later this year.

Tickets for the Maplin UK Championship, which will be staged at Telford's International Centre between December 13 and 21, have gone on sale.

Ronnie O'Sullivan, who won the tournament at the same venue last year, heads the list of stars involved in what is widely regarded as the sport's second biggest event.

Stephen Maguire, Shaun Murphy, Mark Selby, Ding Junhui, John Higgins and Stephen Hendry will be amongst the other top performers heading to Shropshire.

And local ace Adrian Gunnell will also be hoping to come through qualifying at Prestatyn to appear in front of his home town crowd for the second successive year.

"I've not had the best of starts to the season - but I know what I have to do to get my game right so I'm sure I'll be ready in time for the UK qualifiers," said the 36-year-old from Telford

"It's great for the town of Telford to have the tournament back again and something for the fans to look forward to."

Ticket prices for the early rounds start at £10.50 (concessions £5). To book seats, call 01952 561 700.